Clarinet in E-flat
ca. 1830
Medium
Boxwood, horn, brass
Dimensions
L. 47.8 cm (18-7/8 in.)
Classification
Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-single reed cylindrical
Culture
German
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William J. Maynard, 1997
Accession Number
1997.219.12
Art Historical Context
This elegant Clarinet in E-flat, crafted around 1830 by the German firm Steiner Söhne, exemplifies the refined woodworking traditions of early nineteenth-century instrument making. Measuring just under 48 centimeters in length, the instrument features a cylindrical bore typical of single-reed aerophones, producing a bright, penetrating tone suited to both orchestral and chamber settings. Its body of richly grained boxwood is accented with horn and brass fittings, materials chosen for their acoustic properties and durability. As a product of German craftsmanship during the Biedermeier era, thi...