Flutter-tonguing
Wind-playing technique in which the tongue produces a rolled “r” while playing.
What it means
Flutter-tonguing is a playing technique of wind instruments in which the tongue, usually as a rolled “r,” vibrates in the air stream. The tone is thereby broken into rapid pulses and gets a rough, shimmering sound. A variant using the throat as the sound source is produced similarly to gargling.
Musical use
Flutter-tonguing came into orchestral and chamber music widely in the 20th century, where it creates sound effects such as trembling, menace, or whirring. Richard Strauss used it in Don Quixote to imitate the bleating of sheep. It can be executed on flute, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and other wind instruments and is usually notated with tremolo strokes and the marking “flutter-tongue” or “flz.”
Flutter-tonguing should be distinguished from double tonguing, in which two different tongue strokes (“t-k”) alternately produce clearly articulated notes, and from a plain tremolo produced by the bow or by touch. In flutter-tonguing the tone flows as a whole through the vibrating tongue.
Performance practice
Practise flutter-tonguing first without the instrument by rolling an even “r,” and then transfer it to a calm note. Keep the air stream even and the throat relaxed; if the rolling does not work, a “d-r-r” attack often helps brass players and the throat sound helps flautists.