overall (instrument only): 12 in x 30 1/4 in x 77 1/4 in; 30.48 cm x 76.835 cm x 196.215 cm
overall: 38 1/2 in x 30 1/2 in x 78 in; 97.79 cm x 77.47 cm x 198.12 cm
Object Name:
harpsichord
Place made:
Italy
Date made:
1643
Description (Brief):
This instrument was made by Horatius Albana in Rome, Italy in 1643. It is a single manual harpsichord with a compass of C/E - c3, a disposition of 2 x 8’, and has 2 iron levers on the right side to move slides. The soundboard is made of cypress and features a rose of geometric design. This harpsichord has boxwood naturals and black-stained accidentals. The nameboard is inscribed: “Horatius Albana f. Anno MDCXXXXIII.”
The separable outer case is painted with putti with musical instruments and Rococo motifs on a gold and pale blue background. The lid interior is painted with mythological figures on a gold background. This instrument sits on a heavy elaborate gilded stand.
Horatius (Orazio) Albana comes from a family of Italian keyboard makers who were active during the 16th and 17th centuries. There is a Horatius Albana harpsichord in the Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna.