Harpsichord by Dulcken, JD
Maker:
Dulcken, JD
Number of manuals:
Two
Year:
1745
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1700-1750
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Spruce
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-425
Origin:
Antwerp, Belgium
Type:
Harpsichord
This instrument was made by Johannes Daniel Dulcken in Antwerp, in 1745. It is a double manual harpsichord with a compass of FF – f3, and a disposition of 2 x 8’, 1 x 4’. The harpsichord has a spruce soundboard with a gilt-metal rose, and ebony naturals and ivory accidentals. The name batten is marked:
IOANNES DANIEL DULCKEN ME FECIT ANTVERPIA, AD 1745
The inseparable outer case is made of black painted wood with gold accents. The soundboard is painted with floral decorations. The trestle stand is made of 12 turned spindles painted black with gold accents.
Restored to playing condition in 1960-1961, by William Dowd, this Dulcken harpsichord is currently used in concerts and featured on recordings by the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society.
Recordings currently available can be found at the following link:
www.smithsonianchambermusic.org
Credit: Smithsonian