German Unfretted Clavichord
Two identical clavichords by Johann Christoph Georg Schiedmayer (1740-1820) found their way to Boston by way of the instrument collection of Morris Steinert, and both are fine examples of late 18th century unfretted instruments. The earlier of these, dated 1789, is one that I own and recently restored, and the other, dated 1796, is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Clavichords of this type won lavish praise from C.P.E. Bach, as well as music historian Dr. Charles Burney, for their musical quality and for developing touch and articulation on the organ and harpsichord. Over the years I have gained an intimate knowledge of both Schiedmayer clavichords, and, while there are detail differences between the two, the model I offer is a synthesis of their qualities. It has a range of FF to g’’’, and the casework is all solid, quarter-sawed oak, with a paneled lid and four tapered legs.