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

Return to SorrentoNapori min’yō

Go Back to Sorrento [Recorder Sheet Music] Torna a Surriento

This Neapolitan song, composed in Sorrento, Italy at the end of the 19th century, is a classic in which the beautiful coastline and the bittersweet feelings for a beloved intertwine.

Its gentle triple-meter melody begins softly and, while gradually expanding its range, builds toward a captivating climax.

If you play it on the recorder, it’s best to value the natural flow of the phrases and plan your breath marks carefully to achieve a legato performance.

Since its official publication as sheet music around 1904, it has been sung by world-renowned artists such as Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti.

As you perform, picture the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy and infuse the music with nostalgia and romance.

Grandfather’s ClockHenrī Kurei Wāku

Grandfather’s Clock [Recorder] with Do-Re-Mi (solfège) sheet music included

Although this song is now cherished in Japan as if it were a Japanese tune, it originally began as an American popular song, published in 1876 by Henry Clay Work.

It became the well-known piece it is today after being released with Japanese lyrics on NHK’s TV program “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

Many artists have covered it, and many people will likely remember Ken Hirai’s version in particular.

Its beautiful melody also shines in solo recorder performances, which is one of its appealing points.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Little Brown Jug

Recorder practice for everyone: “Little Brown Jug” with Do-Re-Mi-Fa notation, aligned with the textbook

Some of you may have played it in your elementary school music class: “Little Brown Jug,” a piece by American musician Joseph Winner.

In Japan, we often hear it as a children’s song or in commercials.

Its laid-back, cheerful melody is soothing.

It’s recommended for recorder beginners—so much so that it’s included in music textbooks.

Try playing it while paying attention to your breathing spots.

If you’re really starting from scratch, this is the best place to begin.

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Araki Jakkan

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CanonJohann Pachelbel

“Everyone’s Recorder”: Pachelbel’s Canon

A widely beloved masterpiece of Baroque music by Johann Pachelbel.

Its beautiful melody, woven from a repeating chord progression, leaves a deep impression on listeners.

Composed in the late 17th century, this piece is performed in a variety of settings, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

When playing it on the recorder, cherish a graceful and gentle atmosphere.

It’s recommended to start practicing at a relaxed tempo and gradually increase the speed.

Savor the full charm of this work and enjoy the overlapping lines of sound.

Small WorldRobāto Shāman, Richādo Shāman

It’s a Small World [Recorder] with Do-Re-Mi-Fa sheet music / It’s a Small World

Let’s try playing ‘It’s a Small World,’ a Disneyland favorite, on the recorder! If you play it in C major, you won’t encounter any sharps or flats, making it easy to perform.

It sounds cooler with a bit of a lively rhythm, but you can start slowly and gradually increase the tempo.

There are sections with sustained high notes, which might feel intimidating, but the key is to relax your shoulders and use a gentle airstream for higher pitches.

Also, whether your high notes come out clearly can depend on how well your recorder is maintained, so don’t forget to take care of your instrument.

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SAKI

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Carrying YouInoue Azumi

Carrying You - Studio Ghibli 'Castle in the Sky' Played on Recorder [With Sheet Music]

A famous song by Azumi Inoue, known as the ending theme of the film Castle in the Sky.

Its wistful melody, woven with her clear, translucent vocals, resonates deeply.

After the film’s 1986 release, it was issued as a single in March 1988, and later re-released in 2000 and 2004.

One of the most beloved pieces among Studio Ghibli works and widely covered by many artists, this song is also perfect for the recorder! How about practicing it after watching the movie?

soap bubbleNakayama Shimpei

Soap Bubbles [Recorder] Children's Song with Do-Re-Mi-Fa Sheet Music

If you’re looking for a well-known song that seems easy to play, how about this one? Although it was published as a children’s song in 1923, there’s no way to confirm it now that the author has passed away, but it’s said that the lyricist, Ujō Noguchi, wrote it with a requiem-like intention for the child he lost.

Thinking of it that way, you realize that even this song, which feels cheerful, has unexpected depth.

The clear tone of the recorder suits the song’s fragility very well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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