Lesson 56: Contemporary Techniques, Part 2 — Multiphonics, Whisper Tones, and Harmonics

Try two pitches at once using a published fingering.
Change a low note to its octave without moving your fingers.

Listen for how the sound changes.

Compare each sound with a plain note; keep attempts short and relaxed.

Multiphonics

A multiphonic has two or more pitches at once; choose a fingering for your recorder from van Hauwe’s The Modern Recorder Player, volume 3, and adjust the air gently.

The notes are timing guides: play plain, try your chart’s multiphonic, then return; breathe between bars.

Whisper tones

Hold high GC, then reduce the air until a soft, hollow sound appears; scores may mark whisper tones w.t..

Harmonics

A harmonic sounds above the fingered note; keep the thumbhole closed and gently increase air until the octave sounds.

Keep the low-note fingering for both pitches; pause between pairs.

Now play these

Use the published chart before trying multiphonics; if you lack it, explore the other sounds now and return later.

Find scores through resources:

Hans Martin Linde, Amarilli mia bella (1968): Listen for changing tone colours.
Walter van Hauwe, Brisk (from The Modern Recorder Player): Use the published fingering guidance.
Luciano Berio, Gesti (1966): Later advanced study; listen first.

When the octave change is clear and you hear a distinct whisper tone, continue to Lesson 57; revisit multiphonics when ready.