The recorder was known as the English Flute in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when it enjoyed tremendous popularity.
Early paintings show the recorder in use during the Middle Ages and Crusades.
In the 19th and early 20th century, the recorder was all but forgotten as our modern flute grew in importance. In recent years, the recorder has experienced a great revival. Though usually heard as a somewhat shrill instrument in the hands of the young school child, the recorder when properly mastered has a superbly beautiful, singing tone. It is played by professional musicians in the best ensembles throughout the world as an equal partner with more commonly known instruments. There are seven different sizes of recorder being used today, the smallest being the sopranino about nine inches in length, the largest the contra-bass about eight feet in length.