Lesson 50: Altissimo — Bb5 and C6

• Play Bb5 and C6 with steady pitch.
• Play Eb6 and F6 with steady pitch.
• Join the new high notes without a crack.

Keep high notes focused.

Altissimo means the very high range; review Lesson 49’s A5, then try each new note on its own.

Altissimo means the very high range; review Lesson 49’s D6, then try each new note on its own.

Bb5

Eb6 (on your alto staff)

The right ring finger distinguishes Bb5 from B natural.

The right ring finger distinguishes Eb6 from E natural.

C6

F6 (on your alto staff)

For Bb5–C6, lift left middle and right ring together.

For Eb6–F6, lift left middle and right ring together.

Play: Telemann, TWV 40:102 — Allegro, bars 37–39

Published: Maurizio M. Gavioli (2020), recorder edition, CC BY-SA 3.0; first part only, second part omitted. Uniformly down P4 for soprano; native alto restores the published F-major reading. Cautionary naturals normalised.

First hold the tied high note for its full length, then add the run before it and the falling notes after it.

Now play these

Handel: Sonata in C major, HWV 365 (Larghetto)

A complete slow movement: shape the upper-register phrases and ties.

Handel: Sonata in F major, HWV 369 (Larghetto)

A second complete Larghetto, with chromatic turns and long phrases.

Playford: Mr Beveridge’s Maggot (The Dancing Master, 1695)

A real dance peaking on the lower new note.

The Irish Washerwoman — complete

Both O’Neill strains, including the new upper note; retain the semiquaver pickup.

When both notes sustain four centred beats at quarter = 80 and the alternation stays even, continue to Lesson 51.

When both notes sustain four centred beats at quarter = 80 and the alternation stays even, continue to Lesson 51.