2 definitions by ironmatic1
A small, keyless transverse flute used to play military marches and folk tunes, most often with the accompaniment of snare drums and sometimes bass drums. A fife differs from a piccolo in that it has a cylindrical, or straight bore rather than a straight headjoint and a conical bore. This causes the fife to have a more intense and shrill sound than a piccolo. With the exception of some fifes developed in the 20th century, fifes are normally in one piece instead of two and have only six tone holes.
Since the mid 19th century, fifes have been most commonly manufactured in the key of concert Ab above the treble clef, but are named "Bb fifes" for the pitch heard when the lowest D is fingered, the same way recorders and tin whistles are named. The fife can only be played accurately in the keys of D, G, and A major and those relative minors due to the limitations of only six tone holes. Fifers always play music the octave above what is notated to get the instrument's piercing power.
Fife and drum organizations are most common in the Eastern United States and in Switzerland, but are also found in other parts of the world.
Since the mid 19th century, fifes have been most commonly manufactured in the key of concert Ab above the treble clef, but are named "Bb fifes" for the pitch heard when the lowest D is fingered, the same way recorders and tin whistles are named. The fife can only be played accurately in the keys of D, G, and A major and those relative minors due to the limitations of only six tone holes. Fifers always play music the octave above what is notated to get the instrument's piercing power.
Fife and drum organizations are most common in the Eastern United States and in Switzerland, but are also found in other parts of the world.
by ironmatic1 November 6, 2020