Recorder Orchestras

The recorder orchestra has had two golden ages. The first was the Renaissance, the 16th and early 17th century. The second is now.

The American Recorder Society defines a Recorder Orchestra as having

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• "at least 10 permanent recorder positions"
• "at least five recorder voices (any five out of Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Great Bass, Contrabass, Sub-Great Bass, Sub-Contrabass) playing on a regular basis"

In addition to coordinating many individuals, a recorder orchestra must source the larger instruments: Contrabass, Sub-Great Bass, Sub-Contrabass. These instruments are expensive, however modern innovations like the Paetzold Square Bass Recorder have increased availability.

Recorder Orchestras are listed below: