I want to play it on the recorder! Carefully selected classic pieces and popular songs recommended

Lovers’ ConcertoSandy Linzer and Denny Randell

A Lover’s Concerto [Alto Recorder] with Do-Re-Mi-Fa Sheet Music / A Lover’s Concerto

A masterpiece that brilliantly elevates the refined melodies of classical music into pop.

First performed by The Toys, this song became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It has been used in a Mitsubishi Motors commercial and as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Fukigen na Gene,” and has been covered by numerous artists, including Hiroko Yakushimaru and Keisuke Kuwata.

Its simple, friendly melody is perfect for the recorder as well.

Give this charming tune—one that naturally makes you want to hum along—a try on your instrument.

A Town with an Ocean ViewHisaishi Joe

Seaside Town [Recorder] from the film “Kiki’s Delivery Service” • with Do-Re-Mi sheet music

A refreshing song that graces the opening of a Studio Ghibli masterpiece.

It gently wraps the protagonist’s mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety about a new life in a bright, lighthearted melody.

Composed by Joe Hisaishi, this piece blends classical and pop elements beautifully, creating a distinctive atmosphere that musically evokes Europe’s charming old towns and seascapes.

When playing it on the recorder, start by carefully practicing the main melody, and then gradually broaden your expressive range—you’re sure to create a lovely performance.

Hedwig’s ThemeJohn Williams

Hedwig's Theme [Recorder] from the movie Harry Potter • With Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

Released in 2001 as the main theme of the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, this piece has become beloved worldwide as the musical emblem of the entire series.

The mysterious melody composed by John Williams, paired with the timbre of the celesta, creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels like opening a door to the magical world, instantly evoking the world of Hogwarts.

The piece is characterized by a gentle melody in triple meter.

The minor-tinged melodic line can easily cause notes to flip, so caution is needed; however, once you get used to the fingering, the recorder’s simple tone will produce a magic-like resonance.

If you and your friends divide into melody and accompaniment parts, you can express an even grander magical world!

paprikaFoorin

Easy/Paprika [Recorder] <NHK> 2020 Cheer Song – with Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

Here is the song that Kenshi Yonezu produced for the elementary and junior high school unit Foorin.

It serves as the theme song for the “NHK 2020 Support Song Project,” and it’s hugely popular among elementary school students—many kids can sing and dance to it perfectly.

Precisely because it’s such a popular song, there are probably many people who want to practice it on the recorder and be able to play it.

If you have an alto recorder, splitting into accompaniment and melody parts could make for a highly polished performance.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Hi-hoFrank Churchill

"Everyone's Recorder" Hi-Ho

This marching song, sung by the dwarfs as they head home from the diamond mine, is one of the signature pieces from the 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

It features a lively, march-like rhythm and a memorable melody that repeats throughout, making it perfect for the recorder.

Composed by Frank Churchill, the piece gained further popularity after a dance band arrangement by Horace Heidt became a hit following the film’s release, reaching No.

4 on the U.S.

charts in 1938.

The melody is simple and easy to remember, so start at a slow tempo and, as you get comfortable, gradually speed up while imagining the dwarfs’ cheerful footsteps.

It’s also a great choice for anyone trying a Disney song for the first time.

Thank youikimonogakari

“Everyone’s Recorder” Thank You (M8 Recorder Ensemble)

This is a famous song by Ikimono-gakari that wraps feelings and gratitude for someone special in warm vocals and melody.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly convey a simple “thank you” to the person right in front of you, are filled with a heartwarming charm.

Released in May 2010, the song was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo and won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

It has since been beloved in many settings, including being selected as the entrance march for high school baseball.

It’s a recommended piece when you want to express gratitude to someone dear or play a heartwarming tune on the recorder.

Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu

"From Princess Mononoke" with recorder sheet music

Many listeners were surely captivated by Yoshikazu Mera’s translucent voice and the music’s dreamlike soundscape! With its strikingly beautiful melody, this song is perfectly suited as the theme for a film with a grand, expansive worldview.

Released in July 1997 as the main theme, it drew significant attention alongside the film’s premiere.

Its relaxed tempo and uncomplicated rhythm also make it easy to play on the recorder.

To recreate the original’s wistful atmosphere, keep the lower-range phrases quiet and gradually increase the volume as the pitch rises to build intensity.

By focusing on expression, you can achieve a highly polished performance even with relatively few notes.