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Aglass flute orcrystal flute is aglass instrument briefly popular in the early 19th century. They are an unusual variety of theWestern concert flute designed to preservepitch andtone during temperature change better than the wood and ivory flutes available at the time of their manufacture. Most were made by Claude Laurent, a French craftsman and clockmaker who patented theleaded crystal glass flute in 1806. They became obsolete after metal flutes were produced.[1] Other than sounding more consistent at differing temperatures, glass flutes are similar in tone to contemporary wooden and ivory flutes.[2]
Laurent's glass flutes were manufactured in Paris in the early 19th century.[3] About 185 of Laurent's instruments are known to have survived, with the United StatesLibrary of Congress holding 17 of these.[1] Two are kept atMuseu de la música in Spain.[4]
Some of the flutes built by Laurent are lead crystal and some arepotash glass.[5] To reduce weight and provide ornamentation, crystal flutes are cut withfacets orfluting on the outside. The interior surface is precision ground and polished. Joints between the glass sections aresilver. Some crystal flutes used naturalquartz crystal end-caps. Laurent introduced the system of mounting flutekeys on pillars, an innovation which became a standard that has outlived the popularity of the glass flute.[2]
Claude Laurent sent a crystal flute toJames Madison to commemorate Madison'ssecond inauguration as U.S. President in 1813. The flute was then rescued from theWhite House in April 1814 by the White House servants under the direction of First LadyDolley Madison as theBritish entered Washington, D.C. during theWar of 1812.[6] Today the flute is held by theLibrary of Congress, which is believed to have the largest flute collection in the world.[1]
In 2022, musical artist and classically trained flautistLizzo was invited byLibrarian of CongressCarla Hayden to view the Library's flute collection.[1] While at the Library of Congress, Lizzo requested to play the Madison flute in concert. She then played it onstage atCapital One Arena, brieflytwerking during the performance. After playing, she stated to the audience, "I just twerked and played James Madison's crystal flute from the 1800s. We just made history tonight."[6][7][8]