The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument that belongs to the flute family. A woodwind is any group of wind instruments that are cylindrical or conical in shape, made of wood or metal, ending in a slightly flared bell, and producing tones by a single reed vibrating against the mouthpiece, two reeds vibrating against each other, or air vibrating in a hole on the instrument.

There are many different sizes of recorders corresponding to different vocal ranges, the most common of which are the soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Traditionally constructed from wood and ivory, the use of plastic is now common. Other characteristics of their construction, such as bore profile and fingering systems, have varied over time and between instruments. It has a clear sweet sound and has been associated with birds and shepherds.

The recorder was first documented in the middle ages and continued to enjoy wide popularity in the renaissance and baroque periods. During the classical and romantic periods, the recorder was not used much, but regained popularity in the 20th century as an amateur and educational instrument. Handel, Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, and Leonard Bernstein are some of the composers who have written for the recorder. There are many professional recorder players today.

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