Recorder

Recorder

The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument in the group known as internal duct flutes—flutes with a whistle mouthpiece, also known as fipple flutes. A recorder can be distinguished from other duct flutes by the presence of a thumb-hole for the upper hand and seven finger-holes: three for the upper hand and four for the lower. It is the most prominent duct flute in the western classical tradition.

History

Recorders are known to have been used since the Middle Ages. The instrument was popular in medieval times through the Baroque era, but declined in the 18th century in favour of orchestral woodwind instruments, such as the flute, oboe, and clarinet which have greater chromatic and dynamic range. During its heyday, the recorder was traditionally associated with birds, shepherds, miraculous events, funerals, marriages, and amorous scenes. Images of recorders can be found in literature and artwork associated with all these themes.

Design and Construction

The recorder is made up of three parts: The head joint, the body and the foot joint. The head joint is the top of the recorder where the player blows air. The body is where the holes to play the notes are located. The foot joint is the bottom part of the recorder.

Playing Techniques

The recorder is held vertically from the lips. Unlike a flute or clarinet, a recorder does not have a reed, so the air is not vibrated by a reed, but by the edge of the recorder's mouthpiece. The pitch of the notes that come out of a recorder can be altered by covering the holes on the body of the instrument. The more holes that are covered, the lower the pitch of the note.

Types of Recorders

There are many different types of recorders, but the most common ones are the soprano recorder, the alto recorder, the tenor recorder, and the bass recorder. Each type of recorder plays at a different pitch range.

See Also

• Flute
• Woodwind instrument
• Baroque music
• Musical instrument

References

Recorder Resources
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