Clarinet in B-flat
ca. 1805
Medium
Boxwood, ivory, brass
Dimensions
L. 66.6 cm (26-1/4 in.)
Classification
Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-single reed cylindrical
Culture
British
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William J. Maynard, 1997
Accession Number
1997.219.3
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of early 19th-century music this elegant Clarinet in B-flat, crafted around 1805 by the esteemed British firm Clementi &. Made from richly grained boxwood for its resonant tone, with ivory fittings for durability and a touch of luxury, and brass keys for precise mechanics, this instrument measures 66.6 cm in length. Produced in London during the Classical era's height, it exemplifies the craftsmanship of Muzio Clementi's workshop, known for innovative keyboard instruments but also woodwinds that supported burgeoning orchestral traditions. As a single-reed aerophone...