Douglas Maple Harpsichords - French Harpsichords

P.O. Box 1163
Lemont, PA 16851
(814) 234-4407
dmaple@adelphia.net

Selecting a Model | Prices
Ravalement of harpsichord after Couchet, Antwerp, ca. 1650.

Click on the image above for an enlarged, detailed version.

Large Flemish instruments of the type made by Couchet were highly prized in 18th-century France, since they could be modified with relatively little work into doubles with the chromatic petit ravalement compass of four and a half octaves. Towards the middle of the century, by widening the case slightly, a full five-octave grand ravalement became the norm. Double-manual versions in either size are offered. This model combines a powerful but clean sound in the bass with an extremely clear and singing treble.

Specifications:
GG-d³, 8' 4' 8', buff, shove coupler. 229 x 87 cm (90 x 34 in).
FF-f³ , 8' 4' 8', buff, shove coupler. 229 x 92 cm (90 x 36 in).

Ravalement of harpsichord after Ioannes Ruckers, Antwerp, 1642.

Originally a standard Ruckers two-manual transposer, this instrument underwent the usual alterations to install aligned manuals in the French style, and to add a second 8' choir. The case was never enlarged, however. The original four-register configuration was also retained, one of which was converted to a dogleg rank. This allows registrational flexibility, including the use of both eight-foot choirs uncoupled. Players seeking a small, easily transported double will find this instrument to be an excellent choice.

Specification:
GG/BB-d³, 8' dogleg-8' 8' 4', buff. 3-register shove coupler disposition can be supplied as an option. 224 x 80 cm (88 x 32 in). Also available in a single-manual version.

Harpsichord after Henri Hemsch, Paris, 1736 (1756?).

For those who love the big, rich sound of an 18th-century Parisian harpsichord, I offer this well-known model by Hemsch, based on the example in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In comparison with the rebuilt Flemish instruments above, the sound is more complex, takes longer to develop, and has more resonance in the bass.

Specification:
FF-e³ (f³ can be added), 8' 4' 8', buff, shove coupler. 237 x 91 cm (93 x 36 in).

Harpsichord after Gilbert Desruisseaux, ca. 1675.

My personal favorite of the 17th-century French instruments is the double-manual example by Desruisseaux. The case is of painted walnut, with a double-curved bentside. In my opinion the instrument was originally strung in brass at a low pitch ca. A-370. In this configuration, the instrument offers a warm, resonant sound, but with a clarity that is ideally suited to the thickly voiced chords of Louis Couperin, or the dense textures of D'Anglebert and early François Couperin. Small and light, this instrument can serve as an interesting alternative to the usual Italian continuo instrument.

Specification:
GG/BB-c³ (d³ can be added), 4' 8' 8'. Case in natural walnut, or with painted finish. Ebony naturals with solid bone accidentals. Elaborate parchment rose. Original disposition uncertain, but may have had solo upper manual 4'. Shove coupler or dogleg configurations are also possible. A-370, 392, or 415, can be transposable. 213 x 77 cm (84 x 30 in). Also available in a single-manual version.

Inquiries for instruments based on examples by Goujon, Blanchet, Taskin, and other famous French makers are also invited.

Selecting a Model | Prices