"Triple-manual harpsichord"

Triple-manual harpsichord | Stefano Bolcioni | 1627

This triple-keyboard harpsichord is too good to be true. Antique dealer Leopold Franciolini added two keyboards to the original instrument to concoct a ‘rare’ 17th-century harpsichord that would appeal to collectors. In truth, such a harpsichord never existed at the time.This instrument is an example of the work of the notorious instrument dealer Leopoldo Franciolini and its current state is by no means original or representative of a historical state. The instrument was shortened and the three keyboards were inserted into the original single-manual instrument by Franciolini in the late 19th century. These may well have been taken from an organ. The original nameboard has survived, although it was reversed to allow for the extra keyboards. Although its current state is fraudulent, this instrument represents what happened to many instruments which passed through Franciolini’s workshop. (Raymond Russell Collection).

Harpsichord

Stefano Bolcioni

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Triple-manual harpsichord

Accession Number

4304

Collection

MIMEd; Raymond Russell Collection

Date Information

Date Made

1627

Period

17th century; 1620s

Gallery Information

Gallery

Binks Gallery

Case

Copies and Counterfeits

Maker Information

Maker Name

Stefano Bolcioni

Maker Biography

Stefano Bolcioni was born into a family of harpsichord and organ builders based in Florence on the Via dei Servi where two other noted makers of keyboard instruments lived. He was active in the first half of the seventeenth century and was a member of the Guild from 1634. The family may have originated from Prato near Florence

Made In

No information recorded.

Description

Technical Description

Technical description: Triple-manual Italian harpsichord. Inner-outer case construction. Compass 52 notes C₂/E₂ - G₆ [C/E - g''']. Three sets of strings, 2 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft (now removed). Repair History: Originally a single-manual harpsichord with 53 notes; [G₁, A₁] C₂/E₂ to C₆ with two natural keylevers below a normal broken octave (split D₂/F♯₂ and E₂/G♯₂), and then with split accidental keylevers. Converted by inserting three keyboards from another instrument by Leopold Franciolini circa 1895. Restored as a three manual instrument by A.N. Masson in 1915 and M. Asseman. Signature/Marks: Inscribed on back of nameboard "STEFANUS.BOLCIONIUS.PRATENSIS F. A.D. M.D.C.XXVII.F". Decoration: The outer case is decorated in the French style with monkeys, figures, and scroll-work on a rich gold ground. The lid interior shows figures in a lake-side scene. The decoration probably dates from about 1920 when the present elaborate stand was made.

Provenance

Purchased by Raymond Russell before 1956; ex- M. & A. Salomon, Paris, 1930; ex- L. Franciolini, Florence.; Gift of Mrs Gilbert Russell, 1964.

Classification