Recorder type for Telemann's music piece

Question

I notice there are some compositions from GP Telemann for recorder.

I just want to know what type of recorder(alto or soprano) for playing Telemann's pieces for recorder.

Thanks

Answer 1

Recorders are non-transposing instruments, so if you need a note below middle C, it's got to be for alto.

Not knowing which pieces you're specifically talking about, the few I found on YouTube do require the notes in the range of Alto recorder, and are being played on Alto.

Answer 2

The solo Fantasias were intended for a traverse flute in D, and so would be best played on a voice flute (recorder in D -- not common, not cheap). However, you can easily find them transposed for alto. His other music with a flauta part is most often for alto.

Rule of thumb: if the Baroque music you're looking at has one or more sharps then it's mostly likely traverse flute music in the original key, and plays easiest on a voice flute and can perhaps be played on a tenor or soprano if it doesn't go too high. Otherwise you'll have to look at the range to make sure, but alto is by far the most likely choice.