Harpsichord after Henri Hemsch, Paris, 1736 (1756?).

For those who love the big, rich sound of an 18th-century Parisian harpsichord, I offer this well-known model by Hemsch, based on the example in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In comparison with the rebuilt Flemish instruments above, the sound is more complex, takes longer to develop, and has more resonance in the bass.

Specification:
- FF-e3 (f3 can be added), 8' 4' 8', buff, shove coupler. 237 x 91 cm

The French harpsichord played a pivotal role in the revival of the harpsichord and continues to be widely used for recital, institutional and private use.

Their wonderfully light and responsive actions, warm richness, deep, sonorous basses, and clarity of tone makes these instruments very appealing.

If you are looking for an instrument to play a wide variety of repertoire and especially love the music of Rameau, Couperin, Forqueray, Balbastre, Duphly, etc., this instrument will respond to these sonorities superbly.

Henri Hemsch, as well as his brother Guilluame, produced some of the finest instruments that are left for us to examine, measure and inspire us. These instruments represent the height of Parisian harpsichord making in the 18th Century.

The case is made of aged poplar and fir, a decorated fir soundboard with beech or walnut bridges. The keyboard is ebony with bone-topped accidentals, painted and gilded case with bands and an apron stand with tapered legs.