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

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.

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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Being human is niceKobayashi Asei

Humans Are Great [Recorder] From the Ending of 'Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi' • With Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

Here is the song known as the ending theme of “Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi,” which is said to be a show that most children grew up watching.

It was composed by Asei Kobayashi with lyrics by Akari Yamaguchi.

Among the show’s ending themes, this one has been loved for the longest time.

The song’s charming, cute vocals are striking, and it surprisingly matches well with the recorder thanks to its sweet tone, so I recommend trying it.

For the sections where the same note is repeated rhythmically, adding some articulation techniques to your tonguing can help you play it stylishly.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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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.

Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline

When You Wish Upon a Star – Alto Recorder with Do-Re-Mi Fingerings – Kyoiku Shuppan Junior High School Music

A dreamy, captivating melody from a classic Disney film.

It sets a romantic mood and is well-loved for occasions like Christmas and weddings.

While it’s performed on many instruments, the recorder can fully bring out the charm of this piece too! Because the melody line is so beautiful, start by playing it slowly and savoring the flow.

Once you’re comfortable with the fingerings and breath control, it’s also great fun to try an ensemble with multiple recorders or other instruments.

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.

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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