Concert / Boehm Flute

In 1847, Theobald Boehm patented a new keywork system for the flute that reorganized the finger holes according to acoustic principles rather than hand position. Orchestras and conservatoires across Europe adopted it quickly, and it became the standard of Western classical flute playing. The concert flute today is most commonly made of silver or silver-plated alloys, though wood and gold instruments are still in active use. It anchors the flute section of the orchestra and carries a solo and chamber repertoire stretching across several centuries.