Plucked-keyboard instruments built in Flanders as based on the collection of the Muziekinstrumentenmuseum in Brussels

Abstract

The article touches on the topic of keyboard-plucked instruments, which were made in one of the most significant European centres – Flanders. The Ruckers family working there created unique works serving as an inspiration for subsequent generations of instrument makers as well as modern makers of copies of historical instruments. The text is aimed at presenting the history of Flanders and instrument building in that region, and analysing selected exhibits from the Muziekinstrumentenmuseum in Brussels. The names of authors of numerous old instruments still need to be determined or confirmed, and a thorough study of connections between families of builders, their relations with other makers, and the ornaments placed on instruments, may facilitate the identification. The article describes the history of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp, uniting artists and instrument makers. The most recognised representatives of this group were the Ruckers and the Couchet families, and biographical sketches of their selected members are presented further along in the article. There is also a description of different instruments from that region, such as: harpsichord (Flűgel), virginal, spinet, muselar, de moeder met het kind and ottavino. The conclusion includes an analysis of selected items from the Belgian museum which come from the region of Flanders and were built by the Ruckers and Rouchet families. These exhibits are distinguished by their structure, external appearance and history. The descriptions and photos will allow readers to learn more about the presented material. The text is addressed to people interested in the topic of the plucked-keyboard instrument making, as well as to harpsichordists who need to know about the origin of instruments. This kind of information is crucial for adjusting the right temperament, registers and articulation in a given piece. The knowledge about the types of historical keyboard instruments is equally important.