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

When the Saints Go Marching In

March of the Saints [Recorder] Harmony Duet with Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

In New Orleans, it’s said that musicians would play cheerfully in a parade on the way back from a funeral, celebrating the soul’s journey to heaven.

This parade is called a jazz funeral, and it’s still alive today.

Here is one of its representative tunes.

When playing it on the recorder, keep the mood lively and try to play as if you were blowing a trumpet or something similar.

It’s also fun to have multiple people march while playing—trading the melody back and forth or adding accompaniment.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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threadNakajima Miyuki

Ito [Recorder] Miyuki Nakajima – with Do-Re-Mi sheet music

Would you like to try covering one of Miyuki Nakajima’s classic songs—covered by many artists—on the recorder? You might think J-pop is hard to play on the recorder, but this piece moves at a slow tempo and, above all, has a very familiar melody, so there’s no need to find it particularly difficult.

There’s only one sharp, too.

It’s a song often performed not just vocally but on various instruments, and the recorder’s uniquely simple, warm tone can bring out the charm of this piece even more than other instruments!

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SAKI

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

“Everyone’s Recorder” Promise of Sunflowers

A warm, heartfelt song by Motohiro Hata, written as the theme for a hit animated film released in 2014.

Gently singing of friendship, love, parting, and the hope of reunion, it’s a track that warms the heart.

With its simple acoustic sound and clear, transparent vocals, the piece conveys a message about caring for others and the importance of strong bonds.

Released in August 2014 as his 17th single, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Daily Ranking.

Unusually for an anime song, it surpassed one million downloads, drawing major attention.

Let’s beautifully render its bittersweet yet hope-filled melody with the soft tone of the recorder.

Kitearashi

Simple version! I tried playing Arashi’s “Kite” on the soprano recorder (with do-re-mi notes)

An epic message song born from the 2020 collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Arashi, infused with hope for the future and the courage to take on challenges.

Using a kite riding the wind as its symbol, it portrays a boy’s inner journey as he pursues his dreams, warmly expressing how he moves forward while feeling the support of his parents and those around him.

With a grand orchestral sound and powerful vocals that resonate deeply, the piece was created by NHK as the “2020 Song” for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and was performed from the New National Stadium during the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December 2019.

Played on the recorder with its uniquely gentle tone, the heartwarming, hope-filled melody feels even more intimate.

Flowers will bloom.Kanno Yōko

Flowers Will Bloom [Recorder] – Theme song supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, with Do-Re-Mi-Fa sheet music included

A song with an unforgettable melody that gently embraces a strong wish for the future and a nostalgic longing for home.

Its simple, singable melodic line and the grand resonance of the orchestra create a deeply moving atmosphere.

Released in May 2012, it has been loved by many as the theme song for NHK’s Great East Japan Earthquake project.

It has delivered emotion beyond the realm of music, being used, for example, in performances by figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu.

It also pairs well with the gentle tone of the recorder.

School of MedakaNakata Yoshinao

Medaka School [Recorder] Children's Song with Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

This well-known children’s song had its lyrics written by Shigeru Chaki in 1950, and the following year, in 1951, a version set to music by Yoshinao Nakada—who is also known for composing many other children’s songs—was released.

At the time, some critics felt it was too new and didn’t quite fit in, but in 2007 it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Now firmly rooted in Japan, this piece—fittingly centered on the theme of school—seems to gain even more charm when played on the recorder, as the instrument perfectly matches its atmosphere.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Tears for You [Recorder] Rimi Natsukawa – with Do-Re-Mi sheet music

This song, whose title in the Okinawan dialect means “tears falling one after another,” is a gem-like ballad that expresses deep feelings and gratitude for a late older brother.

While incorporating elements of Okinawan music, its gentle, soothing melody is striking, and Rimi Natsukawa’s clear, pure vocals heighten the sense of poignancy.

After its release in March 2001, it set a record by staying in the Oricon Weekly Singles Top 100 for 157 weeks.

Filled with heartfelt emotions for a loved one, this warm, comforting piece is perfect for those who want to relax and savor a performance while reminiscing.