The Recorder Today [Paperback]

Eve E. O'Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 27, 1990 | ISBN-10: 052136681X | ISBN-13: 978-0521366816

This book is about one of the most widely played and yet least understood of instruments, the recorder. Initially revived at the turn of the century, it now has an impressive modern repertoire, much of it using innovative instrumental techniques. The aim of the present work has been to make available to players, composers, teachers and interested non-specialists the sort of practical information they need in order to approach the modern recorder repertoire with understanding. History, music, technique and the leading figures in the field are discussed and described in an informal and readable style. The scope and content of the catalogue of contemporary compositions contained in the second part of the book will come as a surprise to many. Out of about 800 works currently in print Eve O'Kelly has made a selection of some 400, classified by instrumentation which will be of tremendous use to players and teachers at all levels. As a work of reference for the specialist, or as a companion for the amateur player, this book is invaluable.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Out of about 800 contemporary in print compositions for the recorder, approximately 400 have been classified by instrumentation in a list that will prove invaluable to players and teachers at all levels.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 27, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052136681X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521366816
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,340,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 'The Recorder Today' still rooted in past, July 23, 2004

By 

T. Givens (Virginia , USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Recorder Today (Paperback)

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.

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars don't make my mistake, June 13, 2007

By 

Joe Romero "centurion50" (DFW, Tx USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Recorder Today (Paperback)

I thought this book contained 400 recorder songs, that's what the products contents lead me to believe. Not so. It contains references to 400 songs, not the music. Buyer beware.