CHAT: Early Music (was: Re: Subject: Re: My Conlanging History)

> Don't they have keys? I saw a bass once, and it
> had keys. I would suspect all the bigger ones
> would as well! Particularly the g-b.
The number of keys depends on the maker or company that builds the
recorder. Bass recorders usually do have a few keys down at the bottom,
(I've even seen some Tenors with a key), but most of the keys are left of.
I forget exactly how many keys this particular GB has. There are at least a
few at the bottom, probably more than a normal Bass. But IIRC, most of the
wholes are left open. Also, its probably _at least_ 6 in (15 cm) in
diameter, so just wraping your hand around the thing is a chalange!

> Any cornetts in your group?
Not that play with us, though I think someone did build one from a kit. It
would be cool though. Also, not everything we do is Early Music. We once
did a Sousa march arranged for 7 part (I think) recorder "orchestra."

> > anything technical (though that never stopped
> > me from composing for violin!)
>
> Violin is something I never took a liking to.
> Fiddle is ok. How about hurdy gurdy? That aint
> too technical (well, not if you don't add all the
> doodads), and was a popular instrument in the
> day.
AFAICT, the hurdy gurdy was a folk instrument -- there wasn't a whole lot
of published music for it, though I think Telemann did some stuff with it.
But I haven't. I know almost nothing about the instrument.

I generally write for 4-part strings (1st/2nd vlns, vla, vlc), with
whatever woodwinds I want: recorders, flutes, oboes, and bassoons. On
occaision, I get boisteous, and write something for Baroque trumpets and
timpini. Of course, if I'm doing chamber music, it will be for 1 to 3 of
the aforementioned instruments along with a basso continuo. I also do
4-part recorder stuff.

BTW, I posted a picture of a Great Bass Recorder from an outdoor
performance that a few of us Recorder Society members did in costume at a
Renaissance Fair a while back. The instruments, from left to right are:
Alto, Great Bass, Soprano, Bass, and Tenor. That's me on the left with the
Alto. Find it at:

http://www.umsl.edu/~cph9fa/renfest.jpg

Thanks,
~Caleb

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