2009-10-23

A few days ago I interviewed the harpsichordist  Jory Vinikour in Brussels, he very kindly demonstrated the Goble concert harpsichord and spoke about the opera and his work.  Interview

For the production of  The Rake’s Progress we are supplying our “Concert” harpsichord made by Robert Goble in 1972. The instrument is typical of the period and is equipped with the usual range of registers (16′ – 8′ – 8′ – 4′ – Nazard – Harp Etc). These are controlled by a system of pedals and allow quick changes of sound, rather like the thumb pistons used on pipe organs.  Needless to say, it is hugely heavy and is rightly nicknamed “The Beast” by my long suffering transport manager.  It has to be remembered that this kind of instrument was the standard in the early twentieth century and indeed is still used in some (unenlightened)  opera houses for all productions requiring a harpsichord!  In Britain at the BBC, every orchestra possessed such an instrument until the early 90s. The instrument in our collection was purchased from their Manchester studios.  I am hoping to include a recording of this instrument, so please log on again soon. As usual, all production details for Brussels can be found here .