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I notice there are some compositions from GP Telemann for recorder.

I just want to know what type of recorder(alto or soprano) for playing Telemann's pieces for recorder.


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2 Answers 2

The solo Fantasias were intended for a traverse flute in D, and so would be best played on a voice flute (recorder in D -- not common, not cheap). However, you can easily find them transposed for alto. His other music with a flauta part is most often for alto.

Rule of thumb: if the Baroque music you're looking at has one or more sharps then it's mostly likely traverse flute music in the original key, and plays easiest on a voice flute and can perhaps be played on a tenor or soprano if it doesn't go too high. Otherwise you'll have to look at the range to make sure, but alto is by far the most likely choice.

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Recorders are non-transposing instruments, so if you need a note below middle C, it's got to be for alto.

Not knowing which pieces you're specifically talking about, the few I found on YouTube do require the notes in the range of Alto recorder, and are being played on Alto.

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Wrong. The alto's lowest note is the F above the middle C. The tenors lowest note is middle C. Soprano's lowest is the C above middle C. The Bass is the highest to go below middle C. Its lowest note is the F below middle C. –  American Luke Jan 14 '12 at 14:30

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