Moeck HOTTETERRE 5456

In the Spirit of the Hotteterre: a Model Inspired by Historical Instruments

This tenor recorder is part of a clearly history-oriented approach to French instrument making. Its inspiration comes from three recorders bearing the anchor symbol, an emblem associated with Jean Hotteterre and his descendants. The Hotteterre family held a major place in the 17th and 18th centuries: musicians, composers, and instrument makers, they helped shape the sound aesthetic and playing practices of the baroque era.

Although it is impossible to state with certainty that these original instruments were made by Jean Hotteterre himself or by his lineage, their heritage value is recognized: two are currently preserved and exhibited at the Musée de la musique in Paris, while the third belongs to the collection of Frans Bruggen in Amsterdam. This "according to Hotteterre" tenor thus seeks to regain a timbre balance and projection consistent with the repertoire's expectations.

For Which Musician, and in Which Styles?

With its 415 Hz tuning (baroque pitch, lower than modern 440 Hz), this tenor recorder is primarily aimed at musicians playing early music : sonatas, suites, concerti, continuo, or ensemble programs. The baroque fingering is particularly suited to this context and will be familiar to recorder players accustomed to "historical" instruments.

It will suit an intermediate to advanced player seeking an expressive tenor capable of handling a solo part. Thanks to its stated range of about 2 and a half octaves, it is also suitable for exploring repertoire usually associated with the baroque transverse flute, while retaining the characteristic color of the tenor recorder.

Sound and Design

Across all registers, this "according to Hotteterre" tenor is described as offering a warm sound and consistent power, an essential point for maintaining a stable musical line from low to high. This consistency facilitates soloist playing: notes speak homogeneously, with sufficient presence to stand out in an ensemble without forcing the sound production.

The long size format directly influences the air column sensation and the stability of the low notes, often sought after in a baroque tenor. Conversely, the size necessitates the use of keys: the double keywork provides a practical ergonomic solution by reducing the strain of extended fingerings and securing certain notes where hole precision becomes delicate. The result is more comfortable holding and smoother playing in articulated passages.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Tinted
Materials	boxwood

Type	tenor recorder	Timbre	warm sound
Pitch	415 Hz (baroque tuning)	Projection	consistent power across registers
Fingering	baroque	Recommended use	solo and ensemble playing
Range	approximately 2 and a half octaves	Ready-to-play instrument	adjusted by a luthier
Orientation	suited to baroque repertoire, including pieces originally intended for the baroque transverse flute	Source of inspiration	three recorders bearing the anchor symbol associated with Jean Hotteterre and his descendants
Size	long size	Preservation of originals	two instruments exhibited at the Musée de la musique in Paris; one instrument from the Frans Bruggen collection in Amsterdam
Keys	double keys	Historical note	certain attribution to the Hotteterre family not guaranteed
Design	presence of keys related to the tenor's size, to improve note access and playing comfort