TREBLE RECORDER
The Editor, "The Listener" Sir,-You published in your last issue a paragraph relating to a recital of ancient instruments, including among others the Treble Recorder. May I point out that your column writer’s association of this lovely instrument with an object familiar in toy shops is most misleading? Doubtless, all the Recorder flute family, including the various flageolets, have a faint resemblance to the object you mention; but so they have also to the whistle of a steamship or locomotive. One might just as reasonably say that the penny squeaker is the most widely known representative of the oboe family. But what would Mr. Goossens, the consummate oboe player, think of such a reference to his instrument? For the enlightenment of those of your readers who may have been misled by the paragraph, I would like space to point out that the Recorder is a woodwind instrument and not made of metal. It is almost the same size as a clarinet, and is piayed in the same manner, the place of the reed being taken by a fipple mouthpiece. There are five Recorders: the highest, the sopranino or piccolo Recorder, then the Descant, the Treble (the solo instrument), the tenor, and the Bass.
They are played either individually or in consort, and blend equally well with other instruments. At the time of Bach and Handel the Recorder was used in the orchestra as well as the familiar horizontal flute, and discerning musicians have deeply regretted its falling into disuse. However, it may safely be said that the Recorder is well on the road to recovery, and with the revival of its own literature it brings to musie a tone-colour we can ill-afford to lose. Yours etc.,
Wellincton.
Zillah
Castle
August 3, 1939.
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 9, 25 August 1939, Page 19
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294TREBLE RECORDER New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 9, 25 August 1939, Page 19
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