Actual Frequency Ranges of Recorders

Upper notes on large recorders and on garklein are often not really available.

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Note that:

• 1. Soprano recorder plays an octave higher than written.

  2. Bass recorder plays an octave higher than written.

  3. Playing "alto up" is the same as sopranino.

  4. Usual ranges for human voice: bass = E2-D4, baritone = A2-G4, tenor = D3-C5, alto = G3-F5, soprano = C4-C6.

  5. Range of tenor recorder matches range of soprano voice. The "4-foot" pitch recorders usually use is an octave above what singers use.

  6. Recorders which match human voice ranges are not SATB, but tenor, bass, great bass, and contrabass.