Historic Keystrokes Unveiled: Collection of Old Keyboards Reveals Unheard Sounds from Past Eras
Dip into the dark hallways of Australian National University's (ANU) School of Music, where more than 40 historical keyboards and replicas await. These instruments, each with its unique historical qualities, are ripe for exploration, not museum-stagnant but meant to be played and studied. The Keyboard Institute serves as a playground for the creative mind, inviting researchers to delve into the intricacies of harpsichords, pianos, clavichords, and organs.
Stroll down the rows, and your eyes will dance over curiosities. Wood like spruce and oak, keys from ivory, and less expected materials such as felts, boar bristles, and leather from a rare goat-sheep hybrid called a geep or shoat. These organic materials lend each instrument its own distinctive sound, adding another layer of complexity to their unique tones or timbres.
The use of diverse materials means that every piece of wood or felt will have natural variations, affecting the instrument's overall sound. Even the mastery of the historical maker and the touch of the player can't completely mask the myriad variables at play. Science can shed light on the potential impacts of restoration on sound quality, but replacing worn felt or aged wood may detract from the originality sought in these instruments. Balancing the science with the artistry is key.
Playing historical pieces by composers like Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven on modern instruments can result in a 'muddy' sound, and patterns of notes may not make sense. These historical instruments require less strength and can be more delicate in play.
Musical Emotion 🎵Scott Davie, Senior Lecturer in Music and Convenor of Performance at ANU, notes that musical instruments often teach players more than just what's found in textbooks. Players may find themselves adapting their technique based on the instrument's nuances, with the instrument essentially teaching the player how best to play it.
Gems in the Collection 💎While keyboards are thought to have originated from the Hydraulis in Alexandria (3rd century BCE), the ANU's collection stands out in many ways. Here are some highlights:
- McNulty's Trio: The collection is fortunate to have three instruments made by Paul McNulty, considered the best creator of certain replicas. McNulty's work underscores the intense detail and refined engineering required in crafting authentic historical replicas.
- The Ruckers Double Harpsichord: Crafted by Carey Beebe in 2020, its lid reveals a stunning mural of Australian wildflowers, highlighted by 23K gold gilding. This unique harpsichord offers various tuning options, including transposable tuning for the French baroque style.
- Henri Henrion Square Pianoforte: This piano, dating back to around 1770, is the oldest in the collection. Despite its age, it has delivered powerful music, including pieces composed by four Indigenous composers for a program called 'Ngarra-burria Piyanna.' The resulting recordings offer a fresh perspective on Australia's history, delivered through the piano's historical tones.
Repurposing Keyboards 🎹Historical keyboards can dispel the misconception that they're only for the classic pieces of the past. DOBBY, a rapper, sought out the old piano in the collection and created a unique track retelling Australia's history. This program, "Ngarra-burria Piyanna," gave Indigenous people an opportunity to reclaim a colonial relic. Keep an eye out for historical instrument performances and tours by the ANU School of Music to experience sounds from the past woven into Australia's musical future.
[1] When you tune the shanks to specific pitches, there is a resonance that can greatly impact the playability of the instrument.
[1] The unique tones of the historical keyboards housed at ANU's School of Music can inspire not just classic compositions but also modern music, as demonstrated by the rapper DOBBY who repurposed an old piano from the collection for a unique track.
[2] Just as different materials used in the construction of these musical instruments contribute to their distinct sound qualities, various genres within science, entertainment, and music can coexist and complement each other when merged thoughtfully, such as the fusion of historical pieces with contemporary rapping.
