The Recorder Today

Rating:
Summary: 'The Recorder Today' still rooted in past
Review: This is a very good reference, as far as it goes. It covers the recorder's history, physics, and comeback beginning in the 1930s. It has a good list of proponents and performers with basic bios of each, up to the date of the book's writing, 1990 (only brief Michala Petri mention). There are alternate non-standard fingering charts given, some even for the use of microtones; and some explanation of modern notation methods. A basic discussion of technique, old and new. There is a substantial listing of 400 modern classical compositions for recorder.

Yet I do find fault here. Ms.O'Kelly has the same problem as other writers of recorder books. The tone of the book is that the recorder is strictly a classical music instrument, although it is capable of use in folk, jazz, or any other music one chooses to apply it to. This is the real recorder today, not just a bunch of Carnegie Hall wannabees playing in the parlor while the butler serves tea.

I would love to find a book that explores the recorder's application to all music, with an expert's knowledge and advice on necessary transposition, and working around the recorder's limited dynamics and range. That book has yet to be written.

And, this book contains no basic fingering chart. Like a spelling book without the alphabet included.