Etymology. The instrument name recorder derives from the Latin recordārī (to call to mind, remember, recollect), by way of Middle French recorder (before 1349; to remember, to learn by heart, repeat, relate, recite, play music) and its derivative MFr recordeur ( c. 1395; one who retells, a minstrel).

Why is a flute called a recorder?

The simple “recorder” flute is so-called because, when it appeared in the 14th century, it was considered a good, simple instrument for students to use when they were learning and practicing (“recording”) a piece of music.

Is the recorder a serious instrument?

For most of us, a plastic recorder was the first musical instrument we encountered back in elementary school, and for that reason it's something we tend to think of as a childhood toy. However, the recorder is actually a serious instrument, with a rich history that goes back to ancient times.