Orchestration question: flutes in background

So a couple days ago I started working on a new project, a second horn concerto. Here's the beginning of the first movement:

prelude_4mid.MID

melody_misd.mid

My question is as follows: when the solo horn makes its entry, it is accompanied by the flutes. From measures 16-19, I want the triplets in the flute parts to be heard clearly, though of course the horn needs to be in the foreground. Is that possible, or will I have to double with an instrument with a more pronounced attack (clarinet, perhaps)?

mvmt1start.sib

hornconcerto2_mvmt1start.mid

That's a nice beginning!

Here are some suggestions for making the flute parts more clear. You can use one or more of them.

1) Transpose one octave up

2) Add oboe

3) Add some articulations

Good luck with your concerto!

"Add articulations" - Actually, the questions is: is that physically possible on flutes?

I would like to avoid using oboes if possible, because I don't want that "bite" there.

"Add articulations" - Actually, the questions is: is that physically possible on flutes?

I would like to avoid using oboes if possible, because I don't want that "bite" there.

Well looking at it, I would say the articulation idea might be alright, though. I do not think the flutists will be covered up in that texture. However, your second flute probably will, due to the range. At least, I prefer to stick to the good ol "be careful lower than A4" rule that I've engrained in myself. :)

But really I'm just worried about your D4s in the flute. They'll wind up being very breathey, and probably detract a little from what they could be; that and the range would be difficult to have great control of dynamics, since the lower range is so quiet.

My solution would just be to rework the second flute part there a little, add articulations and perhaps emphasize every three as well to give a more pulsing feel to it, and then finally contemplate having different independent dynamic markings for the voices in that texture.

Really though, I had a piece read recently that had an oboe solo and two flutes as background like that, in slightly higher range (the lowest note was an A4 I believe) and it worked well, even though the ranges were intertwined. So I have no doubt your piece will work out too! :D

And don't add the oboes--it would stand out in that thin a texture.

I agree with what's been said so far. My feeling is that the flutes will make themselves heard in the thin texture, even in that tessitura. If they are given to understand that they are to give what they're playing a little extra, they will. A simple indication of "poco marcato" may be enough, rather than overloading the notes with accents or whatever, which may convey the wrong message. And I agree, no need to add the oboes there.