If the same instrument is built in different sizes, then we can talk about a “family” of instruments. The recorder family includes: sopranino (in f), soprano (in c), alto (in g and in f), tenor (in c) and bass (in f).
SOPRANINO
It is used for both solo and ensemble performance. The lowest tone of the instrument is f 2, so sopranino in f, or sopranino/piccolo in f. Range in absolute pitch – f 2– c 5. Sounds an octave higher than written. An `8` above the clef makes this clear:
SOPRANO
The most common instrument of the recorder family among beginners, because it is relatively small and does not require significant effort from the student to produce sound. It is used in the first years of training of students in music schools, as well as for professional solo and ensemble playing. The lowest tone of the instrument is c 2, that is why it is also called soprano in “c”. The range (in absolute height) is с 2 – a 4, that is, approximately two and a half octaves. Sounds an octave higher than written. An `8` above the clef makes this clear:
ALTO
The most common instrument in solo performance. Endowed with a warm velvet timbre, thanks to which it goes well with other instruments (guitar, lute, bandura, accordion, string quintet, jazz trio). The lowest tone of the instrument is f 1, so it is called an alto in the “f” tuning, or an alto in f. Range (in absolute height) – f 1– c 4:
TENOR
It has a colorful, soft timbre, especially in the lower register. It is mainly used when playing in ensembles, but professional recorder players also successfully use it as a solo instrument. The lowest tone of the instrument is c 1, therefore, accordingly, it is a tenor in the tuning “to”, or a tenor in c. Range (in absolute height) – c 1 – d 3:
BASS
The deep, soft, matte sound makes the bass recorder an irreplaceable basis for any recorder ensemble. The same bass function in recorder ensembles can also be performed by a tenor. This applies to cases where there is no access to a bass instrument, or it is too large for the performer. The lowest tone of the instrument is the F of the minor octave, so the bass is in the “F” tuning, or the bass in f. Range (in absolute height) – f – a1. Sounds an octave higher than written:
