In case you didn't know, the recorder used to be an actual respected instrument before it became popularized as an educational instrument and everyone associated it with elementary school screeching. Because of this negative association, a whole world of musical literature has been hidden away. While not all of them were originally written for the recorder and many of them are arrangements, the recorder brings a new life and sound to many pieces that would be otherwise tired coming out of another instrument. Here are eleven recorder pieces you should know about.

1.

Here's a good introduction piece. The Meguro Recorder Orchestra has a wonderful selection of pieces that you should check out on their YouTube channel.

2.

Remember how out of tune you sounded in elementary school? The soloist in this piece uses the recorders flexible tuning to achieve some great effects.

3.

Let's get a little #traditional up in here.

4.

This is the same group as the one before. The actual song starts out at around 00:43, but feel free to learn more about the Royal Wind Music.

5.

Anna Fusek is an amazing artist. I emailed her once.

She responded.

6.

Another wonderful performance by Fusek.

7.

#Me.

8.

#AlsoMe.

9.

Another great piece by the Meguro Recorder Orchestra.

10.

This is several pieces by a recorder group. #MeFragmentedIntoFourScandenavianWomen. Some very new age work here.

11.

#Yay!