French Double Harpsichord after Hemsch

Earlier in this century the French double was considered the consummate all-round harpsichord, able to present the music of three centuries and a half-dozen countries with equal authority. While this overly-enthusiastic view may no longer prevail, it is still true that with its 2x8', 1x4' plus buff disposition, five-octave compass, two manuals, and shove coupler, nothing fits French music like an 18th-century French double-manual harpsichord.

Our instrument is inspired by the work of one of the greatest of the 18th-century Parisian builders, Henri Hemsch. Like all his colleagues, Hemsch modeled his work after the examples of Ruckers harpsichords that had undergone grand ravalement to a full five octaves. But more than simply an enlarged Flemish harpsichord, the 18th-century French double is a highly refined but powerful instrument that sings with elegance and nobility. Its sensuous sonority and booming, resonant bass are seductive. With a decorated soundboard, a case painted one or two colors, gold bands and moldings, and a Louis XV or XVI stand, it is glorious in appearance as well as in sound.