Customer Reviews

Three Centuries of Harpsichord Making

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Frank Hubbard had an amazing combination of talents. As a harpsichord builder, he was one of the principal founders of present-day harpsichord-building practice, which produces superior instruments by imitating the masters of long ago. Hubbard was also a fine scholar: thoughtful, careful, endlessly knowledgeable, and often witty.

Hubbard's book, though nonfiction, has a kind of plot: he documents a slow-moving miracle of instrument-making that took place in Europe over a period of several centuries. Hubbard follows the important changes in building practice as the centers of innovation shifted from Italy, to Flanders, to France, and finally to England and Germany.

This book is a beautiful example what can be accomplished by scholars in the humanities--it's careful, rigorous detective work. Hubbard's endless labors made possible the lovely authentic harpsichords we enjoy today.

This is not a book for everyone, but if you're one of the many people who once put together a harpsichord kit, I'm almost certain you will enjoy this book.

A definitive study by one of the leading exponents in the contemptorary rediscovery of the harpsichord. Strategically illustrated. Exhaustive bibliography. Reading this book will immerse you in the past practices of harpsichord-making, from sawyers and lumbering to varnishes and decorative painting. Amazingly juicy, written in a very engaging style. If you want to know the difference between the German and Flemish makers and their instruments, for example, you will find out about them here from a thoroughly forensic view. Breathtakingly authoratative.

At $106.00. it's a bit overpriced for a used book when every major library has one. Nevertheless, I'm not selling my copy.

I first read this book when I built a harpsichord kit in my teens. For a kid who hated history, I could not put this down. Hubbard exposes the reader to a well-hidden side of music-making. Stay away if you hate anything baroque or eloquently discursive.

This book is truly one of a kind. If you are interested in building harpsichords/virginals/spinets or simply enjoy learning about them you will find this book invaluable (that's a good thing). It gives insight into an ancient art form and while the book may not be for everyone due to its relatively academic writing style, it is certainly a must read for many.

It also has many "plates" in the back: pages with diagrams of various harpsichords and descriptions to match. Detailed diagrams such as these are difficult to find and are interesting in themselves. Buy this!