recorder

A wooden instrument invented in the Renaissance, which came to its height of popularity in the Baroque period. Many famous composers wrote music for the recorder, including Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann and Handel. The recorder has Several sizes ranging from the 'Garklein' which is about 4.5 inches long, to the 'Contrabass' whish is about 4 feet long. The instrument was re-popularized in the late 20th century as a device for teaching young children about music. Unfortunately, this leaves many under the impression that the recorder is not a "real" instrument, when in fact, it is a lovely, complex and difficult to master instrument. The recorder has many names- Flute a bec, in French, Flauto Dolce, in Spanish and Blocflute in German. Many times recorders are accompanied by harpsichords, whose ”ping” sound contrasts beautifully with the mellow sound of the recorder.