Hi guys,

Presently my only hope of getting any music for recorder is to buy online, but the problem is it's a bit hard when you can't even flick through the books!

I'm thinking that I may have a serious go at doing some proper recorder playing and maybe have a try at grade 2 or 3. (or maybe just grade 1!!) possibly as part of the grade 1 a thon, possibly just because & for my own enjoyment. Days like today especially (I have a horrible cold ) & just generally suffering from fatigue as I do it's so nice to play something that is relatively physically easy and requires slightly less energy and breath than playing my flute does!

I've been looking at the syllabus, my only source of ideas for recorder music really, and there are a few books which appear to have several different tunes that are used or whatever, but I wanted a few opinions.

I'd like to be in a position where I had at least a bit of choice when it came to taking an exam though I can't afford to go out and buy every book on the syllabus, but I'd also really like just to have books which have nice pieces in them too! (and also not break the bank by ending up buying way too many books when 3 good ones would've kept me going)

I've had a rummage through the syllabus and found a few books which seem to offer pretty good value in terms of having several pieces mentioned, but obviously I don't know what those pieces are like and if the rest of the book is any good. So if anyone can offer informed opinions (or a loan ) of any of the following books then I'd be reeeeeeeeeeeeally grateful.

I already own Amazing Solos which I've been enjoying pottering with!

First book of treble recorder solos arr.Bergman - 3 grade 1 list A pieces, grade 2 Telemann piece, hornpipe on list B in grade 3

5 concert pieces from enjoy the recorder - the Bonsor pieces (I've played the Rumba duet by him a long time ago, which I enjoyed, though I don't know how good value this book is just for 5 pieces...) for grade 1 list B and grade 2 list B

A day in the country by Alan Ridout, bits of this appear for list B for grades 1-3

The Bird Fancyer's Delight - list C for grades 1 and 2

Solo Pieces and suites ed. Ruf - list C for grade 1 2 & 3

50 renaissance dance tunes - loads of list C pieces for 1st 3 grades and 50 tunes is good if they are good ones...

Modern Music for treble recorder - pieces for list B on grade 1 & 2, and just noticed also one for grade 8(!)

Recital pieces for treble recorder vol 2 - has pieces for grades 3 4 and 5, all list B that i've seen

Anyway I'm very open to other suggestions, as I said I'd like nice music and to be able to have pieces to take the exams if I decide to... opinions and suggestions VERY welcome!

I have a few Telemann sonatas that I originally got for flute, but now I have a treble recorder. Telemann is really nice. They were originally for recorder, but obviously flutes play them too.

I certainly like the Bergmann book. Also, the 'From Old England' book has List A pieces from grades 2-4 (all Baroque) has some quite nice pieces. I don't personally like the Ridout pieces much but a lot of people do... The Bird Fancyer pieces are tuneful but all quite similar...

I've no idea of the modern prices of these - my copy of Old England is priced at 2/6!

Willobie

Thanks - I didn't even notice the Old England book appeared more than once

Yeah, I have some other Ridout from ancient Trinity books and I didn't enjoy it that much, wasn't sure if it was just me...

thanks for the thoughts, all help SO much appreciated!

A great place to buy recorder music is from Recorder Music Mail, I do not know their detail off hand...but they have a webiste so if you put it in google it should come up. I am sure that if you ask them that you want to look at the music before you want to buy they wil send it out to you??
Another place is Saunders Recorders, they are based in Bristol, the website for that is www.saundrecs.co.uk Although it would be better to ring up, as I have found that they have more music in stock than it says on the website. The same for Recorder Music Mail.

Thanks ruthypegs. I got some recorder music from Chamberlain a while back too. Any recommendations?

Ummmmm......recomendations...where shall I start!!! It depends what sort of thing you are looking for and what kind of level..........?

Treble recorder, grades 1-3 approx, I'd like to be in a position where I had at least a bit of choice when it came to taking an exam though I can't afford to go out and buy every book on the syllabus, but I'd also really like just to have books which have nice pieces in them too! (and also not break the bank by ending up buying way too many books when 3 good ones would've kept me going)

Hmmmm.....well there are the Hans Martin-Linde Modern Studies...they are a VERY good buy. I got them about 6 years ago and I am using them still now through univeristy, very good for general technique as well as nice pieces.
Ummmm......The Handel Sonatas are good as well, although I am not sure if they are Grade 3, I def know that they are Grade 5...but maybe you would like them as a challenge??????
Also the Second book of Treble Recorder Solos (as well as the first although that is, obviously, simpler) as a wide range of pieces in it that I still feel pleased with myself when I have got to the end of one of them....they are very satifisying!
Off the top of my head that is what I can think of without going through all my music....although if you want a more specific list then just PM me.....will try my best...I do have lots of recorder music....and I have access to EVEN more when at uni so if you wanted a quick look at anything could scan it in so you can see what it looks like??

Thanks ruthypegs! Once I have a bit more idea of what I'd like to look at and a bit more brain I'll certainly take you up on that. thanks so much!

Sheet music is so expensive that when buying it online I do like to have recommendations... one of the reasons this forum is so useful and so incredibly dangerous!

You are telling me....I spend £80 on music the other week!!!!!!!!!!!
If you ring up Recorder Music Mail they should beable to send you a catalogue...then you have an idea of what they have in stock. Although as I said I have found that they have more than they say they do. I ring up and ask for a piece msot of the time and they have it...if they dont Saunders Recorders does. Also both places will put it in the post the same day so you get the music the next day!!!! Very good if you are in a rush!

If it's any consolation, I spent rather more than that a week or two ago... will not be needing any new flute or piano music (or viola actually) for some time... well, it was a 50% off sale and we no longer have a local music shop, so what's a girl to dO?

thank goodness for credit cards...

and that's one of the reasons I can't go mad with recorder music!

Fair enough.....I really need to get more Sax music...but I am hoping that I can borrow some from Nat in a few weeks as she is joining me up in Bangor!!! Then when I have money I'll buy the pieces I really want...and keep borrowing from her and the library!!!hehe Very Cheaky!

recital pieces volume 2 also has grade 8 pieces and diploma pieces so is a great book to have!