Learn to Play Recorder

Lesson 50: Altissimo — Bb5 and C6

  • Produce Bb5 and C6 with a controlled embouchure and centred pitch.
  • Produce Eb5 and F5 (the alto's reading of soprano Bb5 and C6) with a controlled embouchure and centred pitch.
  • Move from the second-octave range into the altissimo without losing the line.

The high notes are not louder. They are higher.

Above A5 the recorder enters its altissimo, where irregular fingerings make the embouchure do most of the work. Bb5 and C6 are the top of the range most Baroque writing asks for; above C6 you are in modern repertoire only. Two notes properly placed are worth more than a haphazard reach for a third.

Above the notes you met in Lesson 49, your alto enters its altissimo, where irregular fingerings make the embouchure do most of the work. Eb5 and F5 on your alto staff are the top of the range most Baroque writing asks for; above that you are in modern repertoire only. Two notes properly placed are worth more than a haphazard reach for a third.

Bb5

Eb5 (on your alto staff)

The right ring finger is the key — without it the note cracks down to F5.

The right ring finger is the key — without it the note cracks down.

C6

F5 (on your alto staff)

Compared with Bb5 the right ring finger lifts and the air pressure rises just slightly.

Compared with the previous note the right ring finger lifts and the air pressure rises just slightly.

If the note breaks, reset rather than trying harder.

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C6 wants slightly less air than Bb5, not more.

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The only thing that moves is the right ring finger.

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The two registers must connect with no audible bump where the fingerings change.

The two registers must connect with no audible bump where the fingerings change.

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Play: a Baroque excerpt that climbs to C6

The C6 in bar 3 is in and out in one beat; do not over-prepare it.

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Now play these

Telemann: Six Sonatas, TWV 40:102 (complete)
The Vivace movements touch the altissimo briefly.
Vivaldi: Concerto in A minor, RV 445 (Larghetto)
Slow altissimo — patience over force.
Van Eyck: Engels Nachtegaeltje
Bird-imitation writing at the top of the range.

When you can sustain Bb5 and C6 each for four beats at quarter = 80, three attempts in a row without the note breaking, and the Bb–C alternation drill stays even, move on to Lesson 51.

When you can sustain both altissimo notes on your alto staff each for four beats at quarter = 80, three attempts in a row without the note breaking, and the alternation drill stays even, move on to Lesson 51.

Altissimo cracking down? Reset embouchure before reaching for more air. See troubleshooting.