Recorder Playing

[Stu]

I have a little story to share which i thought was amusing. My wife said she wanted to buy me a special present for my birthday and asked if there was anything I particularly wanted. She said I spent too much time working, so she thought something that would be a new hobby would be good. As a child and up into my late teens, I played the recorder. I got pretty good and even played solo Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann etc in some concerts, but then I neglected it. I thought it might be nice to take it up again. It would be mentally challenging and aid my breathing and my finger joints supple, so I said she could buy me a decent alto recorder. The one I had in mind was this one - note the price for a clue as to its quality:

http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.a ... wood-a-392

This is the one she ordered - note the price for a clue as to its quality:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Cantab ... o+recorder

Pretty much identical, then?

[Stevie D]

Stu - there are a good selection of alto recorders of excellent quality available in between those two extremes.

My own is a Moeck 'Rottenburgh' alto in pearwood. Like this:
http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.a ... o-pearwood

I've had it since 1984 and have been very pleased with its tone, intonation and durability. I used it extensively for consort and solo work. I think performing the Bach Brandenburg 4 a few years ago was a highlight for me.

[Stu]

Hi Stevie ... great to hear from you!!!!

Wow! That's a coincidence! I didn't know you were a fellow recorder player and lover of Baroque! My grandson is having the cheap recorder, while and I have ordered a Moeck Rottenburgh alto as well, but it's in dark maple. I guess with your recommendation I made a good choice! To be honest, the Von Heune would have been wasted on me - I am going to have to go back to basics. I already owned a Mollenhauer descant (soprano) in pearwood which I have had for about 30-years. When I was about 17, I could make a decent fist of Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto, RV443, but that skill has long since disappeared. I am not used to alto, and it means me learning the different fingering, so that will be a challenge I am looking forward to. I'm a big believer in learning new things throughout life.

Stu