A harpsichord example. Source: Museum of Fine Arts - Boston
A local Calgary artist and musician Susan Rod has finished a handcrafted harpsichord that she began all the way back in 1976. The longtime violinist made the decision to start building after she thought the Renaissance quartet she played in needed a more authentic sound.
The harpsichord, an early forerunner of the piano, produces its tone by plucking strings instead of striking them with hammers.
A simple goal, that would lead Susan on a multi-decade battle of painstaking craftsmanship. The creation of intricate parts, finely measured wood mechanisms, strings, you name it, it was part of the process. Even down to the hand painted artwork.
The artwork features Albertan landscapes, birds and plants, all hand painted.
Over the 50 years, the harpsichord made it’s way with Susan, through moves, workshop changes, and garages, but the project never stopped. The finished product will be given to a local harpsichord player, Justin Luchinski, who plans to use the piece in concerts and events, even teaching, in the years to come.
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