Recorder

As Printed on a Score

Labels the recorder in English-language editions, usually with its size (Soprano, Alto or Treble, Tenor, Bass) and abbreviated Rec. In Baroque scores the original label may be just Flauto, Flûte or Fiauto, which meant the recorder. The alto and tenor read at pitch; the soprano, sopranino and bass (in bass clef) are written an octave below the sound.

Abbreviations: Rec.

Also spelled: Recorders

How Composers Use It

Quiet, pure and nearly without dynamic range, the recorder belongs to chamber textures: Bach writes pairs or trios of recorders for tender or funereal moments in his cantatas, and Vivaldi and Telemann wrote concertos for it. Specify the size, since an alto in F and a soprano in C cover different ranges, and accompany it lightly — continuo, strings or other recorders. It cannot balance a modern orchestra.

Example

Bach, Cantata BWV 175, closing chorale (No. 7): the score has three staves labelled “Recorder 1”, “Recorder 2” and “Recorder 3”.

Related Terms