Woodwind Players Travel Through Time

By Richard Wyton

Have you ever wondered how wind instruments were played before the invention of key mechanisms? Curious how the very first published music sounded?

Answers can be found by playing historical instruments, and almost everyone has one – the recorder! And, if you play in band you already know most of the fingerings! Flutes and Saxophones use the same fingering system as the soprano recorder; Clarinets use the same fingerings as the alto recorder in their low register, and the soprano recorder in their high register.

The relative ease of playing recorder makes possible very rapid progress, opening a wide variety of solo and ensemble music within a short period of time. Renaissance dance music, popular songs of the 17th century and sonatas by Vivaldi are highlights in this palette of historical style. Additionally, the recorder invites exploration of a range of expressive tools – most notably articulation – that will carry over, and make anyone a better player on their band instrument.