"Single-manual harpsichord"

Single-manual harpsichord | Ioannes Couchet | 1645

Single-manual harpsichord. Photo by Digital Imaging Unit Photograph © The University of Edinburgh

Since Ioannes Couchet made this harpsichord in the 17th century it has been altered so much it can no longer be played. Its various owners, keen to retain a ‘Ruckers’ instrument through changing times, added and removed notes, made repairs and repainted the case. The harpsichord is now too fragile to be anything more than a work of art and a historical object.Couchet was a nephew of Ioannes Ruckers and took over his workshop in 1643. This instrument underwent a similar ravalement in the 18th century to the two other single manual Ruckers instruments, although it was returned to its original size c 1955. The green and gold case decoration is not original, and the non-symmetry of its design indicates the alterations were made to its casework when it was returned to its original state. Part of the Raymond Russell Collection.

Harpsichord

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Single-manual harpsichord

Accession Number

4307

Collection

MIMEd; Raymond Russell Collection

Date Information

Date Made

1645

Period

17th century; 1640s

Gallery Information

No information recorded.

Maker Information

Maker Name

Ioannes Couchet

Made In

City

Antwerp

Country

Belgium

Description

Technical Description

Technical description: Single manual Flemish harpsichord. Compass 49 notes C₂ - C₆ [C - c''']. Currently three registers: 2 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft. Decoration: Soundboard and wrestplank are decorated with paintings of flowers, fruit, and birds. Inside of the case and keyboard lined with printed papers. Green and gold case decoration is not original. Initials "R.L." are shown above a trophy painted in the lid. Signature/Marks: Inscribed on name batten and jackrail "IOANNES COUCHET FECIT ANTVERPIAE"; inscribed on soundboard and jackrail "1645". Repair History: The instrument underwent a ravelement in the 18th century, and was reduced to its current compass c 1955. Strings removed to relieve tension. Originally 1 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft with a C₂/E₂ - C₆ [C/E - c'''] compass. Technical drawing avalable from Friends of St Cecilia's Hall. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/

Provenance

Bought by Raymond Russell from Messrs E.C.|Legge & Son, Cirencester.; Gift of Mrs Gilbert Russell, 1964.

Classification