fluttertongue
A technique where the player rolls their tongue rapidly while playing a wind instrument.
In Depth
Fluttertonguing is produced by rolling the tongue rapidly (as in a rolled R) or gargling in the back of the throat while blowing into a wind instrument. The result is a buzzing, tremolo-like effect that adds a rough, dramatic texture to the sound.
Richard Strauss was among the first orchestral composers to call for fluttertonguing, using it in Don Quixote and other tone poems. The technique is now standard for flute, trumpet, and other brass and woodwind instruments. In extended technique repertoire and contemporary music, fluttertonguing is combined with other effects for complex timbral exploration.
Richard Strauss was one of the first composers to demand fluttertonguing in an orchestral score, using it in Don Quixote to imitate the bleating of sheep.