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today I've finally made it to @StCeciliasHall - after months of lockdown, weeks of trolling their catalogue, listening to stories, speaking to the curatorial and conservation staff.
reader, I was astonished...
reader, I was astonished...
Curator Jenny Nex took me through the visitor journey, starting with the first keyed instrument gallery. although I've seen many harpsichords in grand houses, &c. but to see them TOGETHER opened my mind...
and then Jenny hopped over the cordon and further pushed my understanding of what a museum can be. sound up! ...
organs, pianos, clavichords galore - I was particularly drawn to this "Bible regal", a portable organ which folds away into two boxes shaped like Bible volumes which also function as bellows...
https://collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed/record/16427?highlight=bible+organ
https://collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed/record/16427?highlight=bible+organ
I was shown into the second keyboard room, focused on decoration and design, and got drawn into a discussion on the use of brocade paper for instrument and key decoration...
then there was THIS, which made my bibliophile heart leap - this double-manual #harpsichord was in the possession of William and Catherine Hamilton (that Hamilton, of Campi Phlegræi fame...)
https://collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed/record/15132?highlight=hamilton
https://collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed/record/15132?highlight=hamilton
the action on this thing was nuts, so much fun!
it's also well known that a young #Mozart stayed with the Hamiltons in Naples and likely tinkered around on this instrument...
it's also well known that a young #Mozart stayed with the Hamiltons in Naples and likely tinkered around on this instrument...
I was shown the performance spaces and then ran out of time to spend any meaningful time in the lower galleries, but CANNOT wait to get back. thank you so much, @StCeciliasHall team! <3
