Best Selling Recorders (Musical Instruments)

Introduction

Recorders are a family of woodwind instruments that are played by blowing air across a hole in the side of the instrument. They are typically made of wood, but can also be made of plastic or metal. Recorders are popular instruments for beginners, as they are relatively easy to learn to play. They are also a popular choice for use in early music ensembles.

History

The recorder is one of the oldest musical instruments, with evidence of its existence dating back to the Middle Ages. It was a popular instrument in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and was often used in chamber music and dance music. The recorder fell out of favor in the 18th century, but experienced a revival in the 20th century. Today, recorders are used in a variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, and jazz.

Construction

Recorders are typically made of wood, but can also be made of plastic or metal. The most common type of recorder is the soprano recorder, which is about 14 inches long. Other common types of recorders include the alto recorder, which is about 17 inches long, and the tenor recorder, which is about 21 inches long. Recorders have a cylindrical bore and a single reed. The reed is made of a thin piece of cane or plastic, and it is attached to the mouthpiece of the instrument.

Playing the Recorder

To play the recorder, the player blows air across the hole in the side of the instrument. This causes the reed to vibrate, which produces sound. The pitch of the sound is determined by the length of the recorder and the position of the player's fingers on the holes. Recorders are typically played in a sitting position, with the instrument held horizontally. The player's left hand is placed on the upper holes of the instrument, and the player's right hand is placed on the lower holes.

Repertoire

There is a wide variety of music written for the recorder. This includes classical music, folk music, and jazz. Some of the most popular recorder pieces include:

• Sonata in G Major for Recorder and Continuo by Georg Philipp Telemann
• Concerto for Recorder and Orchestra in C Major by Antonio Vivaldi
• "Greensleeves" by Henry VIII
• "Scarborough Fair" by Traditional
• "Amazing Grace" by John Newton

Conclusion

The recorder is a versatile and expressive instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres. It is a popular choice for beginners, as it is relatively easy to learn to play. Recorders are also a popular choice for use in early music ensembles.