Clarinet in C
ca. 1833–45
Medium
Wood, ivory, brass
Dimensions
Length: 59.6 cm Bell diameter: 7.4 cm
Classification
Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-single reed cylindrical
Culture
American
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Funds from various donors, 1983
Accession Number
1983.58
Art Historical Context
This elegant Clarinet in C was crafted by the New York Firth, Hall & Pond between 1833 and 5, a period when American instrument makers were establishing their own voice in the production of orchestral woodwinds. Founded by former employees of English instrument maker George Astor, the firm became one of the leading suppliers of brass and woodwind instruments in the young United States, helping to meet the growing demand for music in civic bands, theaters, and homes. Made of finely turned wood with ivory ferrules and brass keys, the instrument exemplifies the simple-system clarinet design popu...