Fondazione
Piccola
Accademia
di Montisi
ONLUS

The Harpsichord Collection

The collection of instruments we intend to build at Piccola Accademia will bring together under one roof a spectrum of historic and national styles of instrument that will allow any aspect of the harpsichord repertoire to be played on the type of instrument for which the composer wrote. The instruments below are representative of the models and quality to which we aspire in the collection. As our collection grows, it will evolve by incorporating other instruments, including antique instruments if appropriate acquisition opportunities arise. For our festival and master classes in 2007, we will have up to six instruments, representing the Italian, German, Flemish and French national schools.

English Harpsichord
“L. Theewes”

Rare example of an instrument for which the English Virginalist School composed. > More

Virginal “Mother and Child”

Represents the popular domestic version of harpsichord found in northern capitols of Europe of the 17th C., a parallel to today’s upright piano. > More

Flemish 17th C.
Single-manual Ruckers

The Ruckers family was a four-generational dynasty from Antwerp that dominated the music world at the time akin to the Cremona ‘school’ of violinmaking. Their concept of the harpsichord was universally accepted. This was the original model. Composers: Sweelinck, Bull. > More

Italian Harpsichord

This was the most widely used instrument throughout much of Europe for the improvisation of basso continuo and for accompaniment in general. > More

French 17th C.
Double-manual

The instrument of the court of Louis XIV  composers:  Chambonniers, Louis Couperin. > More

Flemish 18th C.
“Petite Ravalement” Double-manual

This  model  represents the 18th C. adaptation by many of the important makers in Europe of the then prized 17th C. Ruckers instruments to suit current literature. > More

French 18th C.
Double-manual Blanchet

Sometimes considered the apex of harpsichord making  Composers: Francois Couperin, Rameau, and Duphly. > More

German Clavichord

Many teachers of the harpsichord demanded of their students to first practice the clavichord to better inform their playing in general. Organists often did their practice on clavichords as the church organ required the assistance of several others to manually pump the bellows. Composers: J.S.Bach, C.P.E. Bach. > More

German Double-manual

Typical North German instrument most closely associated with J.S. Bach. Also Froberger and Buxtehude. > More

Portuguese Single-manual

Comparable to the Italian school but enlarged beyond a five-octave compass. Composers: Scarlatti. > More

 
 
 
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