List of Keyboards
Clavichord by Haase, G
1 manual, C/E-c3 with split upper keys (F♯ and G♯) for D/F♯ and E/G♯ (C.D.E-c3), 8'8'. Hexagonal case with recessed keyboard, 1041 (1064) mm wide, 286 (308) mm deep, 84 mm high, 94 mm high with lid. Base made of pine, 20 mm thick. Sides made of alder, 9 mm thick, with exposed finger joints, resting on the base; on the upper edges, a mitred moulding that overlaps inwards. The lid is not part of the original set, made of pine, smooth, with mouldings only on the ends. The lid and body are connected by two hooks and eyelets; the keyboard flap and front flap are hinged with wire hinges. The soundboard is made of alder, 12 mm thick, angled, with a window 140 mm wide and a maximum height of 20 mm; the upper edge is cut out in a triple clamp-like shape, with two drill holes above it, each 9 mm in diameter. To the left of the keyboard is a small compartment. The soundpost is made of red beech, bent, and situated beneath the soundboard. The attachment strip is possibly made of pear wood, painted black; it is 20 mm wide on the side panel and 12 mm wide on the back panel, starting 9 mm above the soundboard. Pegs arranged in two rows. No wire numbers.
Credit: Uni of Leipzig
Upright Piano by Guenther, J
Some pianos don’t only serve as musical instruments but also have important decorative values. Artistic pianos were mostly built on commission and were meant to complete the interior of the client. These instruments were made by specialized artists using all sorts of sophisticated techniques. This black polished piano is completely decorated with motives of flowers and birds, made of pearl and wood prints.
Technical data:
Inscription: J. Gunther Breveté Bruxelles
Compass: 7 octaves (AAA-a'''')
Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
Pedals: 2: una corda - forte
Dimensions: W 142 cm / D 67 cm / H 127 cm
Case: Art Case richly guilted inlay, flower and birds motifs
Serial number: 3231
Literature: CM 64 172
Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels
Virginal by Guarracino, O
Onofrio Guarracino (born 1627/8, active until 1698), was the most notable and prolific harpsichord maker in seventeenth-century Naples. With its rectangular maple case, dovetailed corners, and its wrest plank placed to the left, behind the jacks, this virginal is typical of the distinctive Neapolitan school of harpsichord making, which had flourished since the early sixteenth century.
Compass: C/E-c3 (45 notes), short octave.
One set of strings, tuned one octave above normal pitch.
Case made of maple. Separate outer case (not original) of walnut.
Fine geometcial parchment rose.
Keys: natural keytops of ivory. Sharps of ebony.
Regency-style stand not original.
Harpsichord by Guarracino, O
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
