蜜芽传媒

Susan Calman celebrates one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented music instruments of all time - the recorder.

For many people, the mere mention of this instrument triggers visceral memories of blasting out Hot Cross Buns in primary school music class - but Susan argues, in the right hands, the recorder isn鈥檛 squeaky and shrill, but a beautiful and incredibly versatile instrument.

Susan looks back fondly on those early years of recorder playing and leads the charge to champion this often maligned musical underdog. She opens our eyes (and ears) to the exciting world of recorder music - from experimental medieval, to baroque, and contemporary music.

Featuring The Recorder Rescue Orchestra in Bristol led by artist Jo Hellier; musician and composer Laura Cannell; art pop group Mermaid Chunky; electronic composer Gazelle Twin; musician and producer Peter-John Vettese; Sarah Martin from Belle & Sebastian; musician and researcher Fatima Lahham; Ian Wilson, principal recorder professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; and recorder professor Sarah Jeffery from the Royal College of Music.

Together, they make the case for the recorder as a surprisingly versatile instrument that can be used in all genres of music - and yes it can really rock.

Producer: Victoria Ferran
Executive producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for 蜜芽传媒 Radio 4