Harpsichord by Guarracino, O
Maker:
Guarracino, O
Number of manuals:
One
Year:
c.1675
Museum:
Royal College of Music
Date Range
1650-1700
Current Location:
United Kingdom
Material:
Walnut
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-2488
Origin:
Italy
Type:
Harpsichord
This Italian harpsichord, which is both unsigned and undated, currently has two sets of 8ft strings and the 50-note compass C, D to d3. Detailed analysis of the instrument by Dr Grant O’Brien, however, shows that it has been the subject of several alterations and that it originally had just one set of 8ft strings and the compass C/E bass broken octave to c3, with some additional split accidentals in the treble to enable the performer to play pieces that modulate to distant keys whilst using a meantone temperament.
Credit: Royal College of Music