Flute à bec, also commonly known as a recorder, is a woodwind musical instrument of the flute family. The term "flute à bec" originated from the French language, translating to "flute with a beak," which refers to the instrument's shape and mouthpiece design. The flute à bec is made by hollowing out a long cylindrical wooden tube and fitting holes along its length, which are covered and uncovered by pressing the fingers over them to produce different pitches.
It typically consists of three sections: the head joint, the middle joint, and the foot joint. The head joint features a beak-like mouthpiece where the player blows into, and it houses the windway, a narrow channel the air passes through. The middle joint connects the head joint to the foot joint and is where most of the finger holes are located. The foot joint contains additional keys that enable the musician to play lower notes with ease.
The flute à bec has a range of approximately two octaves and is known for its pure, gentle sound. It is capable of producing both melodic lines and harmonies, making it a versatile instrument across various musical genres and ensembles, including orchestras, bands, and chamber groups. Historically, the flute à bec has been popular throughout Europe since the Middle Ages, gaining particular prominence during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Today, the flute à bec continues to be a popular choice for beginners due to its relatively simple fingering system and accessible playing technique.
