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The Art of Making a Harpsichord
£49.40£66.50 (-26%)
For around three hundred years, the harpsichord was the leading domestic musical instrument and often a highly fashionable piece of furniture as well. Usurped by the piano at the beginning of the nineteenth century, it was taken up again with the first revival of early music at the beginning of the twentieth century. Over the past forty years, makers have been getting closer to reproducing examples from the historical past. Now, The Art of Making a Harpsichord gives its readers the chance to discover this challenging and rewarding pursuit in a way that is rarely possible without working with an established builder. Beginning with an overview of the instrument, its schools and workshop traditions, the author – himself an experienced maker and researcher – explores the various models and types before leading the reader through the manufacture of an Italian-style instrument, while describing historically-based working methods which are applicable to all traditions. Just as in the seventeenth or eighteenth century, there is no need to rely on large power-tools. This book has been designed to provide assistance to all harpsichord makers, whatever model they choose to make. It is lavishly illustrated with line drawings and photographs, the latter taken – wherever possible – from antique examples that give the reader as full an understanding as possible of the quality of these beautiful instruments.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Robert Hale Ltd, Illustrated edition (31 Oct. 2012) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 256 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0709085702 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0709085706 |
| Dimensions | 21.59 x 2.54 x 30.48 cm |
by VN
Why am I disappointed after reading such an expensive and well produced book ? Well, let’s go point by point.
1. The harpsichord chosen for discussion throughout this book is an early Italian school single manual. Typically most new builders are interested in late Flemish Ruckers-type instruments, or classical French Taskin-type. The Anonymous Italian instrument described is too idiosyncratic and unusual in its construction.
2. The author choses to illustrate his book only with photographs of the original instrument, with much details of disassembled parts, but none of the modern copy he is presumably building. This instrument is hardly in pristine condition, and in my opinion the original crafting and rebuilding at different periods was rather sloppy. This is natural given the limitations of the tools (and maybe expectations) of the time, but not helpful for those seeking higher standards. The additional black-and white computer drawings look clumsy.
3. This is very expensive book, but apparently aimed at woodworkers that cannot afford a decently equipped
shop. Primitive tools may appeal to some, but not to me. Is this book about building a sixteenth century harpsichord with sixteenth century tools? Then say so. I have an uneasy feeling that no photos of the finished replica are offered because it could fail today’s demand for perfection.
4. Decoration is a very important part of a harpsichord’s appeal, but it is glossed over in just a few pages.
Those seeking excellent tutoring should turn to Ernest Miller and his Harpsichord Project e-book.
by Mad Dr Frank
This is not “the only book you need to read”, but I found it a useful and illuminating addition to my collection. I am glad I bought it, and am about to start on my second reading.
by Seafordian
There are many books about the history of the harpsichord, playing techniques and guides to maintaining an instrument, but very few about how to build one. This, perhaps is the first providing instructions in such detail, with so many clear illustrations.
Darryl Martin is a very experienced builder, researcher, lecturer and curator of one of the world’s best collections of instruments. In many crafts and industries there are closely guarded trade secrets. The early music world seems very different, with so many experts happy to share all of their knowledge with anyone interested. This book must be indispensable for anyone thinking of building an instrument, and well worth reading by anyone who loves the harpsichord, whether they intend to build one or not.
by Artdeco
The book arrived on time and my son loved it….
Very informative and the photographs are of good quality. I recommend this book to all who love harpsichords.