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Pierre Donzelague 1711

donzelague

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Pierre Donzelague was born at Aix-en-Provence in about 1670, the son of an instrument maker. As a young man he moved to Lyons, where he gained a widespread reputation both as a harpsichord maker and as a practising musician.

The 1711 is among the earliest five-octave French instruments, and shows that this style of harpsichord making had already reached full maturity by this early date. The instrument is privately owned in London.

The sound is more disciplined than tends to be the case with late makers such as Taskin. The narrowness of the tail area avoids an overbearing bass, and the predominant characteristics are clarity and quick-spokenness

CASE

of poplar with solid bentside and dovetailed joints. Internal framing of spruce

SOUNDBOARD

of spruce, bridges of pear. Original scaling 366mm (8'), 179mm (4').

ROSE

cast and gilded.
 

KEYS

of basswood; naturals of ebony with arcaded fronts; sharps of pear and bone. .

JACKS

of pear and holly with bristle springs

FINISH

hand painted and burnished. Case and lid panelled with gold leaf, and all mouldings also gilded.

DISPOSITION

two registers at 8', one at 4'; buff to either 8'; shift coupler.

PITCH

a' = 415Hz, with transposition to A440. Additional transposition down to A392 is also available.

COMPASS

FF to f ''' (61 notes).

DIMENSIONS

length

2377mm (93.6");

width

 92lmm (36.25");

height

 276mm (10.9").

STANDS

the stand shown, with square tapering legs highlighted with gilding, has a timeless elegance. Also characteristic for this period are square legs connected by a stretcher just above floor level, with bun feet. Cabriole stands, though fashionable at a slightly later date, are an appropriate alternative. We are pleased to discuss any special requirements.