The recorder is one of the longstanding instruments in music history. Evidenced by ancient paintings and with proof of excavated recorders, the earliest of which is named the Dordrecht recorder that dates back to the 14th century, the recorder is oftentimes deemed a prevalent instrument throughout the Medieval period. Centuries later, during the Renaissance period, the recorder was further developed by famous makers and instrument theorists such as Sebastian Virdung (1465–?) into numerous styles and designs. Those recorders were primarily cylindrical in shape and were consort instruments that came in different sizes and were meant to be played together as a family; some were even made from the same tree to ensure their outstandingly warm, full, broad sounds blend impeccably.
Until the Baroque period, the design of the recorder was modified to make the instrument soloistic by making the bore conical, thus contributing to a sweeter tone and an extended compass. The Baroque recorder, the alto (treble) in particular, served as a significant solo instrument in the Baroque. Celebrated composers, such as A. L. Vivaldi (1678–1741), G. P. Telemann (1681–1767), G. F. Handel (1685–1759), and J. S. Bach (1685–1750) all wrote sonatas, concertos, as well as other works for the recorder. Thanks to the exceptional quality of instruments due to advanced recorder making, an increasing number of professional players, as well as an expansive repertoire, the recorder flourished. The Renaissance and the Baroque period were genuinely the heydays of the instrument.
Regrettably, composers in the Classical period discontinued using the recorder due to its comparatively small volume and range. Many reckon that the recorder was put aside into museums and vanished for centuries. The recorder, however, did not perish; rather, it evolved into an instrument for amateur players instead of noblemen. It also evolved into different duct flutes with keys, according to Nikolaj Tarasov. Not until the 1920s, a prestigious instrument manufacturer, A. Dolmetsch (1858–1940), inspired by the Early Music Revival, began to reproduce many old instruments, including the recorder, to reintroduce them to the public. The replicas he produced were fairly well-received at the time. His family further developed the business and aided in the promotion of early instruments.
Many are now aware that the recorder takes part in universal music education. In Hong Kong, learning the recorder, specifically the soprano, is compulsory in music classes in the majority of elementary schools and even secondary schools, the reasons being Carl Orff (18951982), an influential German music educator, vigorously promoted the recorder as a teaching tool in the 20th century. In addition, companies have successfully mass-produced recorders out of plastic/resin, minimising the cost and maximising the accessibility of recorder playing. The relative ease of producing a sound on the recorder without requiring an embouchure also contributes to recorder playing being seemingly simpler than playing other woodwinds. It could have been an incredible opportunity for more people to relish the instrument’s beauty. Nonetheless, the paucity of teachers’ specialism in recorder playing has resulted in students’ typically substandard recorder playing. Thereby, the recorder has become known for its poor sound quality and tone, and the instrument has gone down considerably in people’s estimation.
Notwithstanding, recorder players such as Janet are doing their best to rehabilitate the recorder’s past status. They are delivering good music with the recorder to a broader audience. On the other hand, recorder makers are also using latest technologies, e.g., 3D printing and resin, other than expensive woods, i.e. European boxwood, grenadilla, etc. to produce economical and yet high-quality instruments. Presumably, their concerted efforts would result in a shift in public perceptions of the recorder. Recorder enthusiasts are truly looking forward to the genuine revival of the instrument. This evening, Janet will be presenting us with her remarkably diverse programme, surprising every audience with the ultimate versatility of the recorder.
P.S.: If you want to know more about the recorder, https://www.recorderhomepage.net/ is a great site to visit!
