Fig. 68.—Organ-Harpsichord or Claviorganum. Formerly in the chapel of Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks, Kent. Probably English. Harpsichord, H. 9 in., L. 84 in., W. 35½ in. Organ case, H. 41 in., L. 91 in., W. 40 in. No. 125 125ᵃ-’90.
Victoria and Albert Museum.
Fig. 69.—Triple Flageolet. Italian. About 1820. L. 20½ in. No. 295-’82.
Victoria and Albert Museum.
Fig. 70.—Flauto Dolce, or Flute. Ivory. Inscribed “Anciuti a Milan, 1740."
L. 18½ in. No. 7469-’61.
Victoria and Albert Museum.
The pianoforte, which now has entirely superseded the harpsichord, was first constructed at the beginning of the eighteenth century, in Italy and Germany. About the year 1767 it was from Germany introduced into England; but the English musicians for a considerable period objected to it, and preferred to retain the harpsichord.
That there was, in the time of Shakespeare, a species of flageolet, called recorder, is undoubtedly known to most readers from the stage direction in Hamlet: Re-enter players with recorders. The recorder is also mentioned by Milton, and described by Bacon, who states that “the figures of recorders, flutes and pipes are straight; but the recorder hath a less bore, and a greater above and below.” An illustration of this old instrument, which has now become very scarce, is given in “The Genteel Companion; Being exact Directions for the Recorder: etc.” London, 1683.