Michiel Vandenameele – Graduation 2025

Michiel Vandenameele
Reconstructie van Clavicytherium naar het model van Albert Delin 1751

musical instrument making

Mentoren:
Frank Hollinga

Links:
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The clavicytherium is a special and rare variant of the harpsichord in which the strings are stretched vertically instead of horizontally. This arrangement means the instrument takes up less floor space, making it more compact and space-saving. However, this form of construction posed major technical challenges, especially in terms of mechanics and playability. It was Albert Delin, an instrument builder from Tournai, who was the first to build a functioning and actually playable clavicytherium. One of his masterpieces was completed in 1751 and later inspired this reconstruction. Today, this instrument is in the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels, where it is part of the collection of historical keyboard instruments. Only three authentic clavicytheria have survived. The other two are in the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague and the Musikinstrumenten-Museum in Berlin.

Michiel Vandenameele Reconstructie van Clavicytherium naar het model van Albert Delin 1751

Michiel Vandenameele
Reconstructie van Clavicytherium naar het model van Albert Delin 1751