The recorder is a magical instrument with a rich musical history. It is difficult to say when recorders first came into use as the earliest instruments do not survive. We do, however, have examples surviving from the 15th century in Holland and Denmark. Instrument makers in 17th century France transformed the recorder from a one-piece instrument to one made with several joints, richly turned decorations and a larger range. Most of our present day copies of recorders are based on this Baroque style. The 18th century brought a flowering of popularity in recorder playing - both solo and chamber music. By the end of the 18th century the recorder began to be eclipsed by the flute and other louder woodwinds, and so became an antique curiosity for about 150 years.

A slow but steady revival of early music and the recorder began largely in England in the early 20th century. Since then, musicians internationally have followed the path set out by musical scholars leading back to informed historical performance practice. The recorder has been an important guide for this journey.