The recorder has garnered a reputation for being a terrible instrument with a screechy sound, suitable only for children. Unfortunately this is largely due to the fact that recorders, often of dollar store quality, were given to children in overcrowded and underfunded school systems with little to no instruction. The simple design of the recorder gives it the appearance of being an "easy" instrument. I'd like to separate fact from fiction and hopefully put the recorder in its rightful place among musical instruments.
Ease vs Accessibility
The recorder is an accessible instrument due to its small size, light weight and low cost. It does not need strings, reeds, or other accessories that must be purchased in order to play instruments such as the violin or saxophone. Playing the recorder beautifully, however, is just as challenging a task as any other instrument and just as much time is needed to become proficient. No one is expecting good sound from a child first handed a violin.
Not easy?
Serious recorder players are generally expected to learn the four main voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) in order to be a sought-after ensemble player
Recorder players must learn to read music in both bass and treble clef, in addition to learning to read the alto line up an octave
The simple design of the recorder, with few if any keys, means that players must learn forked fingerings in order to play the full range of the instrument. In addition, they must learn alternate fingering to play trills and other ornaments
The Recorder isn't a "Real" Instrument
Not so.
While a good quality plastic recorder for a beginner can be purchased for under $50, advanced level recorders for serious students can cost $200 to $300. At the high end, professional recorders can cost thousands of dollars and are often handmade
The recorder family contains eight voices (or sizes) of instrument. From smallest to highest: garklein, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass, contrabass, subcontrabass
Modern, professional recorders are designed to be loud enough to be played with orchestras and some have a pick up in the head joint allowing them to be connected to amplifiers and sound effect units just like electric guitars.
Recorder Music is Just Kids' Songs and Folk Tunes
Not so.
The recorder is over 700 years old and more music has been written for recorder than any other existing instrument
Many well known Baroque composers like Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach wrote specifically for recorder
The recorder has been featured in pop music by bands like The Beatles, Duran Duran, etc. See a playlist of songs here
The recorder has become a favourite with Finnish metal bands, jazz combos, and modern classical composers
The recorder is featured in soundtracks for films like Harry Potter and TV shows like The Mandalorian
Recorder in Popular Music
Below is a series of playlists featuring the recorder in popular music internationally.