Baroque Woodwind Instruments

The late 17th century through to the end of the 18th century saw rapid progress in the development of woodwind instruments and the composition of a vast body of music for those instruments. During this period a large amount of music for domestic consumption was written for a growing amateur market, a market which has regrown in the latter part of the 20th century. The last 30 years has also seen the standard of performance by professionals on these instruments rise enormously. This book provides a guide to the history of the four main woodwind instruments of the Baroque, the flute, oboe, recorder and bassoon, and this is complemented by a repertoire list for each instrument. It also guides those interested towards a basic technique for playing these instruments - a certain level of musical literacy is assumed - and it can be used by students, professionals and amateurs. Advice is also given on buying a suitable reproduction instrument from a market where now virtually any Baroque instrument can be obtained as a faithful copy. This is the first book of its kind and has its origins in the wind tutors of the 18th century.

Contents: Introduction; Choosing an instrument; Performing materials; Style and ornamentation - and overview; Notes; Sources; The bassoon; The repertoire of the baroque bassoon; Buying a bassoon; Playing the bassoon; Basic instrument maintenance; Recommended reading; Sources; Recommended music for beginners; The flute; The repertoire of the baroque flute; Buying a flute; Playing the baroque flute; Care of the flute; Notes; Recommended reading; Sources; Recommended reading for beginners; The oboe; The baroque oboe; A brief history; The repertoire of the baroque flute; Buying an oboe; Playing the oboe; Care of the instrument and common problems; Notes; Recommended further reading; Sources; Recommended music for beginners; The recorder; The repertoire of the baroque recorder; Buying a recorder; Care of the recorder; Playing the recorder; Recommended further reading; Sources; Recommended music for beginners; Appendices; Bibliography; Directory of makers, shops and suppliers; Index.