Following yesterday’s Humoresque, in which my pupil Peter spoke enthusiastically about playing the recorder, this was brought to my attention:
If any of you shudder at the memory of playing the recorder at school, or your children having done so, I urge you to listen to the recording of this programme, available on BBC Sounds, but only for the next 28 days. The programme lasts half an hour.
During the Renaissance (1400-1600 approximately), the recorder was a mainstream instrument, and there is a huge repertoire for it from this time.
In the Baroque era (1600-1750 approximately), the recorder was a serious and much-played instrument, and the repertoire expanded exponentially during this time.
Then the recorder fell out of favour.
In Rocking the Recorder, Susan Calman declares “It’s time for the recorder to fight back!” I really recommend you listen to the programme for a completely different take on the recorder as a musical instrument.
Have you heard of the Recorder Rescue Orchestra? No, I hadn’t either…
Humoresque is available to anyone who might be interested. They don’t have to be one of my pupils, or even learning music. If you know anyone who might be interested in subscribing to Humoresque, please let me know. I will only need their name and their email address! Thanks.
Humoresque = a whimsical or fanciful piece of music. Be whimsical, be fanciful, but play in time!
(Humoresque Number 14)