Learn to Play Recorder

Lesson 79: Advanced Ensemble, Part 1 — Renaissance Consort

  • Play a Renaissance consort part against the other voices.
  • Match the section’s tuning, articulation and phrasing.

Listen to the other parts while you play.

A consort is a group of related instruments. Keep your own line steady while matching the other players’ tuning and note starts.

Reading the full score

Mark where your part leads, supports or rests.

Play: Belle qui tiens ma vie — the descant line

Play the 1589 top part (Superius) with both returns; other parts are omitted.

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Try a consort-style line

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Tune together

Agree a tuning note, then adjust:

  • Breath pressure — small changes can adjust pitch; keep the tone steady.
  • Alternate fingerings — choose one that blends with the group.
  • Matched instruments — check that all instruments use the same tuning pitch.

Articulation matching

Decide as a section; mark every part:

  • Note starts: agree where to tongue and where to slur.
  • Dotted rhythms: agree their length.
  • Cadences: trill or not, and by whom.

Join the group

Learn your line, then join partners or a matching-key recording; fix tuning and note starts in short sections.

Now play these

Telemann: Four Dances from TWV55:a2
Complete recorder parts, including silent dances and their returns.
Pavane — Belle Qui Tiens Ma Vie
A simple four-part first-consort dance.

When your line stays in tune and its note starts match the other parts in one full section, move on to Lesson 80.