Instruments

Robin Bigwood owns a number of harpsichords which he uses for his own recitals according to historical suitability and practical considerations about concert venues. He also has close links with many of the UK’s finest makers, including Alan Gotto, Malcolm Rose and Andrew Wooderson, frequently using more specialised instruments by them for certain repertoire. Listed here are some of the instruments Robin has performed on most in recent times:

Anonymous, 1667 This is a 2010 copy by Alan Gotto of the 1667 French harpsichord in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Physically quite compact, it has an incisive sound with tremendous colour and complexity. The case and stand are in solid English walnut, stringing is brass throughout, and it’s voiced in turkey quill.

Mietke, c.1710 A copy from 2000 by Alan Gotto of the Mietke double-manual harpsichord in Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin. Elegant, and with a sustaining, clear tone that is well-suited to contrapuntal repertoire. In a departure from the original C18th design this harpsichord has iron scaling.

Queen Elizabeth’s Virginals, c.1590 A 2008 copy by Alan Gotto of the V&A’s ‘Queen Elizabeth’s’ Virginals from circa 1590. The original is Italian and is superbly suited to works written at the turn of the seventeenth century, particularly from the English Virginalist school which encompasses William Byrd and John Bull. The case is in Cedar of Lebanon.

© 2010-11 Robin Bigwood email