Small
harpsichord
after Andreas Ruckers (1640)
restored to original range
(Available as a custom instrument only)
This
instrument has been restored to original range and disposition: C/E
- c''', 1 x 8', 1 x 4', buff (split at e'/f') and faithfully represents
a type that persisted in its own state of perfection for generations.
It only became outmoded with the gradual addition to general
musical practice of notes that became increasingly difficult to accommodate
to the 45-note keyboard. At that time, the instruments were so
famous and well-thought-of that they were subjected to all sorts of
rebuilds which, for the most part, tended to rob them of some or most
of their original magic. (We offer a very close copy of this
instrument in its later, 18th century state.)
If you can accommodate yourself to the 45-note range, the aural
payback is glorious. Because these instruments were so prized,
there are no pristine antiques of this type left. Building a
new, rigorous copy is the best way to hear what such an instrument would
have sounded like when new. It was a distinct privilege to receive,
and a delight to execute this commission and we wish to share the results.
Small
Flemish single,
Hubbard
& Broekman, 2004
Soundboard
painting: Barbara Pixton
Small
Flemish single, original range - Offering
Sheet
Listen
to the small Flemish single...
You
can hear an excerpt from a demonstration
CD we have prepared for this instrument. The program includes
music of the English virginalist school, music of Sweelinck and his
students (naturally!) and music by Pachelbel and Buxtehude. (Please
note: for web distribution we have removed the varied repeats.)
Puer
natus in Betleem; Gisbert Steenwick (long file – contains
all three short samples, below)
Long
sample - 1500K 192 kbps mp3 file (66 seconds)
Puer
natus, Variatio 1: 8' only, L.H. buff
Short
sample - 476K 192 kbps mp3 file (20 seconds)
Puer
natus, Variatio 2: 8' only
Short
sample - 500K 192 kbps mp3 file (20 seconds)
Puer
natus, Variatio 3: 8' & 4'
Short
sample - 528K 192 kbps mp3 file (21 seconds)
~
A Note About The Files ~
Not
all mp3 files are equal! The sound of a harpsichord is particularly
difficult to compress satisfactorily. The bit rate we have chosen
for these samples is the lowest that reproduces the original recording
with negligible loss. Download times will vary widely depending on
your setup and the quality of your connection. On a 28K Internet
connection, the shorter sound sample may take from about 5 to over
10 minutes to download. If you have a fast connection (T1, cable modem,
DSL) please try the long sample - you may expect download times substantially
under a minute.
~
Problems Playing the File ~
If you cannot play the file through your web browser, PC users
with the Microsoft browser can right click on the link, then choose
the "Save target" option to download the file, then use
an MP3 player (or a the Windows media player) to listen to it.
We have prepared a demonstration
CD which demonstrates the voice of this instrument ($10.00 ppd.
in U.S.). Please - inquire via our contact
form.
.
