Single-manual harpsichord (Andreas Ruckers, Antwerp, 1609)

Single-manual harpsichord

Andreas Ruckers, Antwerp, 1609

(4299)
Single-manual harpsichord.
4 octaves, C₂ - D₆ [ C -d''' ]
Maker: Andreas Ruckers.
Antwerp.
1609.
Overall size: 1870
Body width:Technical: 970.
Technical description: chromatic; disposition 8'+8'+4'. Registers operated by hand stops.
Soundboard inscribed "1609".
Repair history: Ravalé: the case width extended and veneered in England in the 18th century, possibly by Kirckman. Original soundbooard and decoration in good condition. The 8'bridge is probably an 18th cent. replacement. Original compass: C₂/E₂ - C₆ [ C/E - c''' ] disposition: 8'+ 4. The present wrestplank, bottom , jack guides and jacks are by Dolmetsch (who changed keyboard, wrestplank; changing plucking points. Dolmetsch's keyboard replaced by Clayson & Garrett (after 1967) using ivory naturals and ebony sharps. Soundboard repairs, re-stringing using historical wire by M. Rose; revoicing by John Raymond, 1996.
Performance characteristics: In spite of the inauthenticity of some aspects its present state, it is an exceptionally beautiful-sounding instrument.
Specific literature references: O'Brien 1990, pp.210, 255-6; Boalch 1995, p.550.
Specific usage history: On loan to the University of Edinburgh c 1980 to 1996.
Previous ownership: Bought by Peter Williams in 1967 from Mrs Lambert, Bath; previously owned by Herbert Lambert; ex- Arnold Dolmetsch collection.
Current ownership: On loan to the Collection, 2006.

BOALCH, D.H., 1995. Makers of the harpsichord and clavichord 1440-1840 3rd edition, edited by C. Mould. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

O'BRIEN, G.G., 1990. Ruckers: a harpsichord and virginal building tradition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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This page updated: 23.2.10