THE Truly one of the most |
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| ONE of the crowning glories of
any civilization must surely be the creation of its music and the instruments
on which it can be realized.
Those of us who love the harpsichord and recognize its place at the pinnacle of Western musical achievement should occasionally be humbled: Let’s remember that we’re elevating something with only six short centuries of history, originating from only a tiny area of the world’s total surface. The harpsichord then is really only a small—but brilliant—reflection of the enormous diversity of mankind. |
IT’S not through some arcane or esoteric interest, though, that the harpsichord has undergone its resurgence in recent times. The harpsichord as a musical instrument is indeed alive today, crossing boundaries inspired by historically informed performance to appear on genre-diverse CDs, recent films and even a breakdance collaboration with the Red Bull Flying Bach tour. Although computers still only remain a poor substitute for visceral human experience, I invite you to share some of our enthusiasm for this most wonderful European instrument of past centuries by becoming a regular visitor to these pages. And no matter where you live or work, I especially look forward to you being able to savor our instruments and services in person, putting them to the ultimate test soon. |
| Carey Beebe | |
The Cadet Harpsichord…It’s a challenge to design a simple and inexpensive, yet musically worthwhile harpsichord. Emmanuel Danset’s aim was to fulfill the need for a traditionally-shaped harpsichord in a similar price range to a new spinet. The Cadet model appeals to players who previously may only have been able to consider a secondhand instrument. This Petit Clavecin is made by the craftsmen at Atelier Marc Ducornet in Paris, and forms the latest addition to their Logo range of entry-level instruments.
The Cadet is single-strung, light and resonant. There is no plywood, chipboard, or MDF: The case and lid are made from solid lime, and the soundboard is Swiss pine. The three square-tapered legs screw into the bottom, and are varnished natural wood to match the soundboard rim, keywell, music desk and lid stick. The instrument is strung in Malcolm Rose wire using traditional tuning pins, and the wooden jacks are of traditional tapered design with Delrin plectra. The simple fruitwood keyboard with 56-note range allows the performance of J.S. Bach. For maximum versatility, the keyboard transposes up to modern pitch A440 without the loss of the top note. (It also transposes down to A392, without bottom GG.) This delightful and dependable harpsichord has a clear and incisive tone, and we highly recommend it as a first harpsichord. Recent institutional orders in Australia include Mentone Grammar School (Melbourne); McDonald College, Reddam House and PLC Croydon (Sydney); and West Moreton Anglican College (Brisbane). Our photo shows the Cadet model in the Ibiza color, with the included music desk. Full specification is available here. AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY: 2020 Cadet in Norfolk color (light grey) with padded cover $14880 ex workshop. |
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Finding the Harpsichord information on our site…
This is a large site: If you’re a first-time visitor, for a summary with direct links to almost all the information on our site, you might like to begin with our Site overview or use our Search page.
The latest page (July 24) is on the ANU 2020 Ruckers Double.
Regular surfers may enjoy a quick look at the Latest additions.
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Sole Australasian Agent for THE PARIS WORKSHOP – oOo – Factory 35/17 Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 DIALING FROM WITHIN AUSTRALIA: INTERNATIONAL: Personal callers are welcome to our workshop by appointment. |
Questions? Please address all your early keyboard instrument enquiries to Carey Beebe.
 Harpsichord maintenance… If your instrument is not performing at its best, check our Maintenance page. Travel has been curtailed due to COVID-19: It is obviously impossible for me to fulfill my usual maintenance commitments this year. |