Cross flute

Cross flute term coined by the late Canon Galpin to denote the transverse, or side-blown, flute. The principle is the same as that of the vertical, or end-blown, flute: the player directs wind against a sharp edge, but here it is that of a lateral hole, which in primitive flutes is placed in the middle, in more developed ones close to the end. Cross flutes may be open or stopped and occur up to 6 m. (20 ft.) in length. Stopped cross flutes are found in America, Asia, S. Seas; open ones on every…