When was the recorder instrument invented

Musical Instrument Guide. The origins of the Recorder The birth of the recorder. Period Era in musical history Role of the recorder 15th to 16th century Renaissance The recorder took on its current-day form.

Frequent, lively performances. Midth to early 19th century Classical period Gradual obsolescence, reduced opportunities to perform. Structure Learning the names of its parts How is the sound of a recorder produced? The four most commonly played today — descant, treble, tenor, and bass — roughly correspond to the four principal voice parts — soprano, alto, tenor and bass. In many European languages, the word for recorder was the same as the word for flute. The details of the construction of a recorder have changed drastically throughout history.

However, the basic structure of the principle characteristics —whistle mouthpiece, seven finger-holes, thumb hole — have always remained the same. It is mm in length, and made from a single piece of plumwood. The design is conducive to players who are left- or right-handed due to the presence of widely-spaced double holes for the bottom finger. During the 16 th century, recorders became a staple instrument of professional wind players and were possessions of many upper class households and palaces in Europe.

Some members of the upper class even tried their own hand at the recorder. It then became a popular amateur instrument among the middle class as well. During the 17 th century, or early Baroque period , recorders were constructed in three parts, called joints: the head, middle, and foot.

Parents groan when young children triumphantly pull little plastic recorders from their backpacks and begin to produce noises with them that can only be compared to the squawks of a dying seagull. There are many benefits of learning the recorder that make those obnoxious squawks worthwhile.

The recorder teaches fine motor skills, hand dexterity, and finger placement: Most instruments, including the piano, require fine motor skills and hand dexterity. The recorder requires the finger holes to be covered in different configurations to make different notes.

Their small hands are also able to hold a recorder properly so they can begin playing it at a very young age. Children learn finger placement, and they practice moving their fingers to play scales or simple songs. The recorder is good for brain development: As children learn to play the recorder, they must learn to coordinate their breath, their fingers, and their tongue.

This type of learning helps with brain development. It might not make your child smarter, but it will help them develop skills that will serve them well through their entire education.

The recorder prepares children for band and orchestra instruments: Many band instruments require correct breathing, posture, tonguing, embouchure, and hand positioning. The recorder helps teach young children proper breathing, tonguing, and hand positioning techniques. It is a very forgiving instrument that will make the correct notes without perfect form. Children must focus on many things at once when playing the recorder—breath, finger placement, tonguing, staying with the beat, and even reading music.