A harpsichord that entertained the elites of Italy in the mid-1500s has been restored by a South Dakota museum and will soon bring its sound to 21st-century ears.
The National Music Museum in Vermillion, S.D., worked with Chilean-born keyboardist Catalina Vicens to produce the instrument's first full-length recording.
The crowd-funded project resulted in a 20-track record that will be available for all in January.
Vicens, who resides in Switzerland, says the record's compositions would have been performed in Naples when the instrument was in its youth.
Museum director Cleveland Johnson says the recording is the equivalent of a "sound document." He says it will allow the facility to share a piece of its vast collections with the public, which often wants to know what the instruments on display sound like.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
