Clavichord by Hass

Acquisition of a clavichord built in 1743 by Hieronymus Albrecht Hass (1689-1760). It is the only clavichord built by the elder Hass remaining in Britain. It is a large instrument with a five octave range. A beautifully decorated instrument is fully representative of his genius as a craftsman and artist and of the high artistic standards of his Hamburg. The wooden keybars are alternately plain and carved with a wavy, serpentine, upper surface. The naturals are faced with ivory and the accidentals are chequered ivory and ebony in a chevron pattern. It had been on loan to the Bate Collection for many years.