A source of reliable and accessible information about flute performance, construction, and history, this new edition of A Dictionary for the Modern Flutistconsiderably expands the number and content of text entries, appendixes, and illustrations of the 247-page first edition. Entries on the history of many flute construction “systems” and descriptions of the various modern improvements that are available for contemporary players are explained here. The bibliography includes both commonly available print publications and online sources; further reading and see also designations appear throughout. More complex than the first edition, and likely more complex than young players will need, this publication clearly supersedes the first edition.
Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, professionals.
— Choice Reviews
Have you ever wanted to know something right away about your flute, flute music, flute history, flutists, flute terms or flute technique? If you’re like me you’ve probably needed an answer more than once! Now, you can have instant gratification using Susan J. Maclagan’s amazing and informative Dictionary. Part of the series “Dictionaries for the Modern Musician” the “Dictionary for the Modern Flutist” is designed for both students and professionals to fully cover anything flutists might need to know about the flute as well as information about flute composers and performers. . . . “A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist” is a must have for professional, amateur and student flutists, it truly is a valuable reference and imagination sparker for all who read it, a great addition to music libraries worldwide. And it makes a great holiday gift for the flutists in your life!
— The Flute View
The 405-page work includes almost every topic imaginable related to the flute. There are numerous illustrations to accompany the well-written, concise text. This new contribution to the literature will be useful to all flutists both professional and amateur.
— Flute Talk
The content covers everything related to the flute of all types, including recorder. It covers the flute history. . . the major flute-makers, the structure of the flute itself, the names of the flute parts, and so on. As in the title, this is a dictionary in alphabetical order, so you can easily look up any entries you need, whenever you need them. Each term is defined clearly and concisely. If you try to look up each term separately using different sources, you probably need a lot of references, in order to get as much information as covered by this book. The size of the hardcover book is about A4 size, which is quite large; it, therefore, is kept in easy-to-read font size. The book is 400 pages in total with more than 150 illustrations help readers understand the contents. . . . Furthermore, appendix of approximate 60 pages provides illustrations of the old and modern flutes, including the names of their detailed parts. It also includes such interesting reports as: the introduction of scales after the Boehm system in 1847 (G.W. Lewis), historically informed performance in modern flute, and Beatbox flute method (G.Pattile). [Editor: Katsuro Kato. Translated from original Japanese by Dr. Emiko Sato]
— Japan Flutists Association Newsletter
I have found that the Dictionary is very hard to put down, being tempted to read yet another entry! It is a wonderful resource for all flute players. Many of the descriptions of recent developments in the flute types and design and recently evolved playing techniques are not currently included in other reference books. A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist is a hard-bound publication which will ensure that it survives continuous usage for many years. Susan Maclagan has done a wonderful job!
— Flute Society of South Australia
Susan Maclagan has done a wonderful job in making this book available to us. Is is a great pleasure to have in hand so much useful information without resorting to the internet. Thank for all your hard work, and congratulations on a job well done!— William Bennett, OBE, RAM (Hon.)
My immediate reaction to this remarkable publication was simple: ‘I wish I had had this book in my hands for my entire life as a flutist!’ With her enormous gift to the flute community, Susan J. Maclagan has empowered us all, players and teachers, to be able to understand our history and our present with clarity and enjoyment. If you own a flute, you should own this book!— Jeanne Baxtresser, Former Principal Flute, New York Philharmonic
The best part about A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist is that it is easy to use and navigate. It provides essential information but also directs the reader to information on specific topics, either elsewhere in the book or outside it. I highly recommend Susan Maclagan’s dictionary as a resource for flute teachers, music educators, and flute players at any level.
— Music Library Association