Double-manual harpsichord

Burkat Shudi

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Instrument

Harpsichord/Harpsichords/Keyboard/Musical Instrument ; Harpsichord

Instrument Family

Keyboard

Maker

Burkat Shudi

Place Made

London ; Europe ; England ; United Kingdom

Date Made

1766

Description

Technical description: Double-manual English harpsichord with venetian swell. Compass 60 notes F₁,G₁ - F₆ [FF,GG - f''']. Three sets of strings, 2 × 8-ft (dogleg), 1 × 4-ft, lute stop on upper 8-ft. Two pedals, left operates machine stop, right operates venetian swell. String lengths (plucking points): F₆ 133 (54), C₆ 170 (62), F₅ 255 (74), C₅ 344 (82), F₄ 524 (95), C₄ 701 (104), F₃ 1006 (119), C₃ 1232 (130), F₂ 1522 (147), C₂ 1723 (160), F₁ 1862 (175). Signature/Marks: Written in copperplate script on the name batten "Burkat Shudi No 529 fecit Londini 1766". Written on the back of the name batten "Restored by Arnold Dolmetsch London 1898". Stamped with metal die stamps on the back of the nameboard "BS No 529". Decoration: The case (including the spine) is veneered with panels of figured mahogany with cross-banded borders. Keyboard surrounds are of burr walnut. Repair History: Restored by Arnold Dolmetsch in 1898.

Notes

Sheila Barnes, 2007.

Measurements

2470.

Provenance

W.R. Thomas, Burntisland; A. Harry Hodge; H. Vivian Hamilton, 1896; possibly Lady Catherine Hamilton, Naples, 1770. ; Allocated to the University in lieu of Inheritance Tax, 1991.