Alto recorder c. 1700

Curator: Looking at this photograph by Abraham van Aardenberg, we see an alto recorder crafted around 1700 from wood. My immediate impression is one of elegance in simplicity. Editor: Yes, there's a stillness, a quiet presence. But it also evokes a specific social context—who would have played this recorder, in what kind of setting? Musical instruments of this period are potent markers of class and education. Curator: Exactly. The materiality is key. The type of wood used, the level of craftsmanship…these elements reflect the artisan's skill but also the patron's resources and taste. I imagine the process of selecting the wood itself. What does the maker do to transform it into art? Editor: And thinking about music making more broadly: the musical capabilities afforded—and limited—by this single instrument played its role. And what narratives were told through its melodies? We are looking at more than just an object of music; rather, its presence could have aided or resisted cultural assumptions from that era. Curator: It’s fascinating to think about the maker and their skill. Was there an attempt at functional refinement for an elevated experience for music enthusiasts or experts? Also, what can the degradation of the material tell us? What chemicals were applied, and what environment contributed to aging of its form? Editor: Consider who this music would have excluded too. While the upper classes enjoyed these intimate concerts, those lower down the social strata would experience radically different environments. We cannot ignore its impact on society! Curator: That tension, between individual artistry and broader social dynamics, is at the heart of this recorder’s story. And you're right—analyzing it not just as a crafted object, but also a cultural artifact, expands our understanding considerably. Editor: I'm struck again by the sheer possibility that an object like this holds, carrying through centuries as a silent witness. Curator: Precisely, now a moment in time remains frozen for the present. We should always consider the relationship with human engagement in tandem with these things!