Press

The New York State Musem will host four recorder consorts on Tuesdays at noon during March to celebrate National Play the Recorder Month.

The consorts will be held from 12:15 to 1 p.m. on the Museum’s fourth floor Terrace Gallery. Scheduled are: March 8th, Sweetbrier Recorder Consort; March 15th, The Corelli Clash; March 22nd, Platt Hollow Trio and March 29th, The Adirondack Baroque Consort.

Named for its bird-like sound, recorders vary in size and sound from the small supranino to the very large great bass, and are usually played in combination on various parts. Many are familiar with the recorder from elementary school where it is used to teach the basics of reading music because of its simplicity and affordability. The recorder was developed during the Middle Ages and was played throughout Europe. Most popular during the Renaissance and through the Baroque period, it was replaced in the 18th century by the transverse flute, a more versatile instrument. The Germans rediscovered the recorder during the early 20th century, and informal groups began assembling to play recorder music. This movement spread throughout Europe and to the United States where the American Recorder Society was founded in 1939. Some 90 chapters of the American Recorder Society exist in most every state and serve a membership of 3200. The Hudson Mohawk chapter serves the Capitol District and meets twice a month at the Historic Pruyn House in Colonie.

The State Museum is a cultural program of the New York State Department of Education. Started in 1836, the museum has the nation’s longest continuously operating state natural history research and collection survey. The museum is located on Madison Avenue in Albany. Further information is available by calling 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

The New York State Museum is located on Madison Avenue in Albany. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week throughout the year except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.