The soprano recorder in C, also called the descant, is the third-smallest instrument in the modern recorder family. It is usually played as the highest voice in four-part ensembles (SATB = soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Because the spaces between the finger holes are small, it is often used in music education for children who are learning to play an instrument for the first time.

Voice

The soprano recorder produces sound one octave higher than the soprano voice. Its lowest note is C5, and the typical range is from C5 to D7, though skilled players can reach as high as G7. Music written for the soprano recorder is usually notated an octave lower than it sounds. The sound of the soprano recorder is similar to the flue pipes of an organ. Because of this, some organ pipe stops produce a sound that resembles a recorder. These types of organ pipe stops are called block-flute or forest-flute.

Fingerings

Besides the traditional "Baroque" (or "English") fingering, which Arnold Dolmetsch created in Haslemere in 1919, soprano recorders have also been made with "German" fingering. Peter Harlan introduced this German fingering around 1926. In German fingering, the note F can be played with a simpler method than the Baroque technique's cross-fingering. However, some people say that German fingering is a step backward because it was based on the idea that the instrument should be easier for schoolchildren, even though this may not be true. A problem with German fingering is that other necessary cross-fingerings become harder to play.

Material

Recorders with a plastic head joint or made entirely of plastic are often used. Soprano recorders are made from different types of wood, including maple, pear, boxwood, rosewood, olive, African blackwood, "rosewood," or ebony.

Repertoire

It is important to note that the soprano recorder has the longest piece written for a solo wind instrument in Europe. This work, titled Der Fluyten Lust-hof, was composed by Jacob van Eyck.