Though often thought of as instruments for children, recorders are among the most popular types of woodwind instruments that have been used by famous composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, and Johann Sebastian Bach. These musical instruments are the precursor design of the modern day flute and are also one of the easiest musical instruments to play.
As mentioned, a recorder is generally a type of woodwind musical instrument. Also known as the English flute, it belongs to the internal duct flute family and is part of the fipple or whistle flute class. Long and narrows towards one end, these instruments feature seven finger holes and a thumb hole that is manipulated by the thumb of whichever hand is placed higher than the instrument.
To produce music, the player holds the recorder in front of him vertically, blows into the mouthpiece and opens/closes the finger holes. The wind blows into the instrument and against an edge referred to as the labium and this creates notes. These instruments were popularly used in the medieval times throughout the baroque era but declined in the 18th Century. Nonetheless, these items have, today, seen a resurgence of popularity among musical schools due to their ease of play and because of their suitability as a simple instrument for teaching music and their appeal to amateur players. They also are quite inexpensive.
There generally are five types of recorders: sopranino, descant, treble, tenor, and bass. The sopranino is the smallest types of recorder with its approximate measurement at 24 cm. The descant, on the other hand, is usually about 12 inches long and produces a soprano voice quality. It also is among the most popular type of these musical instruments. Bass recorders, alternatively, are the largest with their approximate size of 94 cm that they feature an extra metal tube to blow into so that the player can reach the finger holes.
A high quality recorder can often be determined from the type of material used in its manufacture. Those made from hardwoods such as maple, pear wood, rosewood, granadilla, and boxwood with a block of red cedar wood are considered higher quality recorders and are preferred by professionals as they produce a much mellower sound quality. Nonetheless, recorders are also now being manufactured from plastic. Those made from this material are often cheaper and require less maintenance. Though with a lower quality than those made from hardwoods, the quality of sound produced by plastic recorders is, nonetheless, equal to or better than lower-end wooden instruments.
Recorders are indeed excellent instruments for beginners and amateur musical instrument players. In no time, one can certainly become a professional with the use of these woodwind instruments. As such, investing on one can definitely be considered a worthy investment.
As mentioned, a recorder is generally a type of woodwind musical instrument. Also known as the English flute, it belongs to the internal duct flute family and is part of the fipple or whistle flute class. Long and narrows towards one end, these instruments feature seven finger holes and a thumb hole that is manipulated by the thumb of whichever hand is placed higher than the instrument.
To produce music, the player holds the recorder in front of him vertically, blows into the mouthpiece and opens/closes the finger holes. The wind blows into the instrument and against an edge referred to as the labium and this creates notes. These instruments were popularly used in the medieval times throughout the baroque era but declined in the 18th Century. Nonetheless, these items have, today, seen a resurgence of popularity among musical schools due to their ease of play and because of their suitability as a simple instrument for teaching music and their appeal to amateur players. They also are quite inexpensive.
There generally are five types of recorders: sopranino, descant, treble, tenor, and bass. The sopranino is the smallest types of recorder with its approximate measurement at 24 cm. The descant, on the other hand, is usually about 12 inches long and produces a soprano voice quality. It also is among the most popular type of these musical instruments. Bass recorders, alternatively, are the largest with their approximate size of 94 cm that they feature an extra metal tube to blow into so that the player can reach the finger holes.
A high quality recorder can often be determined from the type of material used in its manufacture. Those made from hardwoods such as maple, pear wood, rosewood, granadilla, and boxwood with a block of red cedar wood are considered higher quality recorders and are preferred by professionals as they produce a much mellower sound quality. Nonetheless, recorders are also now being manufactured from plastic. Those made from this material are often cheaper and require less maintenance. Though with a lower quality than those made from hardwoods, the quality of sound produced by plastic recorders is, nonetheless, equal to or better than lower-end wooden instruments.
Recorders are indeed excellent instruments for beginners and amateur musical instrument players. In no time, one can certainly become a professional with the use of these woodwind instruments. As such, investing on one can definitely be considered a worthy investment.
About the Author:
Jean Francois is a high school music teacher from Germany. To teach music to his students who are just beginning to learn the basics of music, teacher Jean uses a recorder, a type of music instrument that is also known as "Moeck Blockfloete" in German.
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