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“Curiosity Started Me Building Harpsichords

Today it is as strong as it was when I began my first instrument in 1973. Every new harpsichord is a voyage of discovery. This is because of the manner in which I work.

It starts with designing the instrument. I base my design on one or more existing instruments of a certain builder or a school of building.

I don't copy: I want to design the instrument the way that builder would have done with the materials available now and following the wishes of my client. I use the experience I gained from previous harpsichords I made. The process continues in the building phase: working on, I continually ask myself why the builder made the choices he made and that leads to all kinds of ideas, which I pursue. I work from the whole, from which the details arise, and when I change a detail, all changes, so adjustments may be necessary again. On the one hand it is seeking, on the other hand it is to be inspired.

Because of this way of working I cannot make more than 3 to 4 instruments per year.

The result always turns out to be good: the last harpsichord always is the best I ever made. But I can only hear that when it is properly played upon for the first time, by someone who really can do that, when player and music merge and the instrument in fact disappears. That is the way I want to make my instruments: that one doesn't hear the instrument, just music.”

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Category: Builders/Restorers/Suppliers / Keyboard Instruments

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 334