Tenor Recorder 1595 - 1605

This Tenor Recorder was made by Bassano, sometime between 1530 and 1650, out of wood. The process of crafting an instrument like this one involved careful selection of the wood, followed by precise shaping and drilling to create the bore and finger holes. The choice of wood greatly affects the instrument's tone and responsiveness. The exterior is smoothly finished, reflecting the maker's attention to both aesthetics and playability. Recorders like this one were highly valued in Renaissance society, not just as musical instruments but as symbols of cultural refinement. Skilled instrument makers like Bassano held a respected position, as their craft required both technical expertise and artistic sensibility. The creation of this recorder was undoubtedly labor-intensive, involving specialized skills passed down through generations of craftsmen. Considering the material and the making of this recorder allows us to appreciate the rich cultural context and the skilled craftsmanship that went into its creation.