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Explore this small but growing collection of keyboard instruments representing designs that pre-date the piano.
1
French double harpsichord
Craig Tomlinson, Vancouver 2010
Copy of Pascal Taskin 1769
Long-term collection
With 8' 8' 4' choirs and buff rail, this versatile instrument is suitable for Bach, Rameau, Couperin, Haydn, and early Mozart.
Craig Tomlinson is an internationally renowned builder of historical keyboards. This particular instrument has been featured on stage with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Early Music Voices, Rosa Barocca, Calgary ProMusica, ChamberFest West, and Mount Parnassus.
Visit Craig Tomlinson's workshop and the 1769 Taskin at the University of Edinburgh.
Soundboard rose, Tomlinson harpsichord
The original 1769 Taskin at the University of Edinburgh (photo by Han)
Keyboard detail, Redsell virginals
2
Pentagonal virginals
Matthew Redsell, Toronto 1981
Restored by Craig Tomlinson 2024
Copy of Renaissance Italian design
Long-term collection
The virginal is a small harpsichord perpendicular strings, first seen during the late 15th Century. It has a short range but a strong sound that gave way to the Italian Baroque instruments. It is suitable for Renaissance keyboard music.
This instrument was originally built for Gertrude Lazda, donated in 2018 to Han, and professionally restored by Craig Tomlinson in 2024. The stand was built by John van Leeuwen.
Keyboard detail, portatif organ
3
Portatif organ / organetto
Paolo Previtali, Milan 2023
Copy of medieval design
Long-term collection
This instrument, which was popular during the Italian Trecento period, dates as far back as the 11th Century. Modern knowledge of it derives completely from iconography (i.e. paintings and illuminated manuscripts), since there are no extant originals.
Facade of portatif organ
The bellows are on the reverse side
4
Double manual harpsichord
Sabathil & Son, Vancouver Island
Modernised French design
Short-term collection
As a company Sabathil began with production of 'revival harpsichords' and eventually began building more historically-informed instruments, but with some modern advancements in construction. This instrument is an example of the latter.
Former Collection Item
Unfretted clavichord
Alec Hodsdon, Suffolk 1960
Copy of Baroque design
(no longer in the collection)
The clavichord, which originated in the Medieval period, bears some resemblance to both the harpsichord and the piano. It produces sounds by pressing metal tangents to the strings. The tone is very soft but capable of subtle dynamic nuances. It was popular as an instrument for practice and composition.
This instrument was sold in 2014.
Hodsdon unfretted clavichord
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