Unraveling nostalgic audio: Historical sounds unearthed through vintage keyboard collection
Let's Dive Into the ANU's Keyboard Institute: Wonders of Historical Sounds and Engineering
Now, take a step inside the Australian National University's (ANU) School of Music, and you'll find yourself in a hidden gem – the Keyboard Institute. This haven, nestled deep in the ravine of their School of Music in Canberra, houses more than 40 historical keyboards and replicas, each one ready for exploration, learning, and playing. Unlike museum pieces, each instrument in the ANU's Keyboard Institute is here to be experienced and learned from.
This incredible institution serves as a playground for the scientific imagination, inviting us to delve deeper into the construction, engineering, and mechanics of harpsichords, pianos, clavichords, and organs. As you roam the rows, you can't help but be captivated by the curious materials used in their creation, ranging from the unsurprising (spruce, oak, and ivory keys) to the unexpected (hidden felts, boar bristle, and leather from goat-sheep hybrids).
Yes, you heard that right – goats and sheep. While sheep and goats can mate, the resulting "geep" or "shoats" are generally stillborn, making these hybrid animals rare. Yet, there they are, proudly displayed within these aged instruments, adding another layer of intrigue to their stories.
Organic materials are the cornerstone of these historical instruments, giving each piece its unique sound. The very nature of wood and felt means each one is different, affecting the instrument's tonal quality. Even considering the artistry and expertise of the historical maker and the touch of the player, there are countless variables that contribute to each instrument's distinct tone or timbre.
Whether it's the secrets unlocked by restoring worn felt or replacing aging wood, decisions about restoring these instruments are weighted carefully, with artistry taking center stage. Science can certainly shine a light on the potential outcomes of restoration on sound quality, but making such decisions is a delicate balance between authenticity and playability.
Imagine playing historical works by composers like Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven on modern instruments, and you'll understand why the Keyboard Institute stands out. Their historical instruments may produce a "muddier" sound than their modern counterparts, and patterns of notes may seem at odds with what we've come to expect. These instruments, however, require less strength to play and can be more delicate, offering a unique musical experience.
According to Scott Davie, Senior Lecturer and Convenor of Performance at ANU, "Instruments tend to teach the players in ways beyond textbooks." As players learn to adapt their technique to maximize the instrument's potential, they become a part of the instrument's legacy.
Gems in the Collection
While keyboards are traditionally traced back to the Hydraulis in Alexandria (3rd century BCE), the ANU's collection is in many ways uniquely Australian. Here's a look at some noteworthy instruments in the collection:
McNulty's Trio
The ANU's fortune lies in having three instruments crafted by Paul McNulty, considered the best maker of copies of certain instruments. McNulty's exceptional craftsmanship reveals the meticulous detail required to create authentic copies.
On a keyboard instrument, each key is attached to a hammer that strikes a string or strings. McNulty discovered that a certain maker had actually tuned each of the shanks (pieces of wood within the mechanism). To achieve resonance, McNulty spent an entire day shaving the shanks on all the keys on the instrument to resonate to the correct pitch. This level of detail is, indeed, extraordinary.
While the tuning of a keyboard instrument primarily comes from the strings, finding the resonance of parts like shanks can significantly improve playability. Once the work was completed, the fluidity of the keys provided an enjoyable playing experience.
The Ruckers Double Harpsichord
Crafted by Carey Beebe in 2020, the Ruckers Double Harpsichord is a captivating model showcasing a celebration of Australian wildflowers, from banksia to wattle, adorning its interior. Moreover, the harpsichord's lid and gilding are crafted with 23K gold.
What sets this harpsichord apart is its tuning flexibility. It not only follows the modern tuning standard (A440) but also features transposable tuning for A392 in the French baroque style and an “in-between” A415 harpsichord tuning.
Henri Henrion Square Pianoforte
Dated "c1770," the Henri Henrion Square Pianoforte is the oldest instrument in the collection, a well-worn artifact of Australia's past. Remarkably, this ancient piano has been brought to life through the efforts of 4 indigenous composers, who created entirely new works for it. A recording of these works, titled "Ngarra-burria Piyanna," has been made available for streaming and download.
This old instrument has proven to provide a rich and dynamic history in Australian music. According to DOBBY, a rapper who recorded a track using the instrument, "[This old instrument] allows you to breathe life into a part of our rich history."
Another Use for Keyboards
Historically, these instruments were thought to be limited to old music, but the ANU's School of Music challenges that notion, offering unique perspectives on historical instruments and their roles in contemporary music. Keep an eye out for performances and tours of the Keyboard Institute's collection, and be a part of the ongoing exploration of sounds from the past echoing into Australia's musical future.
Multidimensional Musical Discovery Through Old and New Techniques
Originally published by Cosmos as Keyboard collection unlocks historical sounds
Enrichment Data:
In brief:Paul McNulty's replicas showcase the craftsmanship required to create authentic copies of historical keyboards. The use of organic materials like wood, felt, and leather add to the instruments' unique tones and timbres. McNulty's discovery of tuned shanks (pieces of wood within the mechanism) illustrates the importance of attention to detail in the creation of these historical instruments.
Carey Beebe's Ruckers Double Harpsichord exhibits transposable tuning, offering flexibility in sound. The ancient Henri Henrion Square Pianoforte has been brought back to life through the music of 4 Indigenous composers, demonstrating the potential of historical instruments in modern music.
The ANU's Keyboard Institute offers a captivating exploration of historical keyboards and replicas, inviting visitors to dive deeper into their construction, engineering, and sounds.
- The natural materials used in historical instruments at the ANU's Keyboard Institute, such as spruce, oak, ivory keys, and even goat-sheep hybrid leather, preserve the unique organic tones that make each instrument distinct.
- By replicating historical keyboards, like those made by Paul McNulty, the ANU's Keyboard Institute not only showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of their time but also offers modern musicians a chance to experiment with contemporary music on these ancient instruments.
