A Recorder Flute

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The recorder, an ancient flute still used today, was a major factor in the decline of the Ocarina's popularity. It reached peak fame during the Renaissance era. The modern flute and recorder have similar historical development paths as siblings. The soprano recorder is the most commonly used type. Playing the recorder is considered one of the easier woodwind instruments to master. The term 'recorder' originates from the early meaning of 'record', which means 'to practice music'. In Portuguese and Spanish, it is referred to as 'Flauto'. However, over time, the modern concert flute was discovered to have richer tones and better sound quality than the recorder. Additionally, the rise in popularity of orchestras led to a decline in recorder use. The flute belongs to the woodwind family and is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces sound through the flow of air across an opening. According to Hornbostel-Sachs classification, flutes are categorized as edge-blown aerophones. The term 'flutist' refers to a musician who plays the flute, while 'flautist' is another term used in some regions. Flutes are considered the earliest known musical instruments, with several dating back 43,000 to 35,000 years ago discovered in Germany. A developed musical tradition existed from the earliest period of modern human presence in Europe. The recorder, a very ancient flute, was popular from the Middle Ages until the end of the Baroque era. However, it became relegated as classical orchestras emerged with louder instruments. In the 20th century, it returned from museums to perform Renaissance and Baroque music with original instruments but gained worldwide popularity due to its pedagogical use for musical initiation.