Mollenhauer Denner Line Alto DL-5206 - Pearwood (Baroque fingering)

Denner-Edition: the Baroque spirit, Mollenhauer precision

With this Denner-Edition, Mollenhauer offers an alto recorder designed to reconnect with the landmarks of the Baroque repertoire, while benefiting from the consistency of high-level series production. The "Denner" model fits within a sound aesthetic typical of early music, where register balance and intonation stability are essential in consort, chamber ensemble, or continuo playing.

The choice of 415 Hz pitch corresponds to the standard frequently used in historically informed performance. In practice, this means the instrument is designed to sound in tune with partners tuned to the same pitch (harpsichord, viola da gamba, Baroque strings, Baroque winds), rather than with a modern ensemble at 440 Hz.

For which musician and styles?

This alto recorder is aimed at intermediate to advanced players who want an expressive, reliable, and coherent instrument for ensemble playing. It is also very suitable for musicians already comfortable on "modern" soprano/alto recorders who want to move into the Baroque repertoire with an instrument tuned to 415 Hz.

In terms of styles, it is perfectly suited for early music (sonatas, concertos, dances, airs), ornamentation and articulation work, as well as consort playing. It can also be used in advanced pedagogy to work on intonation precision, breath flexibility, and the implementation of Baroque fingerings.

Sound and design

The pearwood body provides a warm grain and pleasant response, with a tonal color particularly adapted to the Baroque aesthetic. The bore (the internal profile of the windway) is designed to offer a balanced timbre and good stability: the sound production remains comfortable, projection stays clear, and notes flow with appreciable homogeneity between low, middle, and high registers.

The double hole (often on the lower fingers) facilitates fine tuning of certain notes and improves intonation in delicate passages. The Baroque fingering, meanwhile, favors positions that optimize the tuning and color of notes according to early music standards. The result: a recorder that encourages clear articulation, controlled intonation, and genuine expressive nuances, without requiring a struggle against the instrument.

Useful glossary: the bore directly influences timbre, tuning, and stability; the pitch indicates the reference frequency (here 415 Hz); the double hole improves tuning of certain notes through more precise half-holes; the fingering refers to the set of finger positions used to produce notes.

Recommended compatible accessories

To complete your daily setup, you can pair this alto recorder with universal and always useful accessories: a chromatic tuner (essential to validate the 415 Hz pitch during rehearsals), a metronome for articulation practice, and a stable music stand for reading sessions. Routine maintenance is done with the included accessories, taking care to use the joint grease sparingly.

Technical specifications

Level	Semi-professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Natural
Materials	Pearwood

Model	Denner	Case	Cotton case
Material	Pearwood	Maintenance	Wooden cleaning swab
Pitch	415 Hz	Grease	Joint grease
Double hole	Yes	Documentation	Fingering chart and maintenance instructions
Fingering	Baroque