Festivities for the oldest known American clavichord begin 11 July and are supported by several honorable organizations including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Those interested in attending the second part of the colloquium will gather on 14 July in Nazareth.
The 1761 clavichord was built by organ builder David Tannenberg in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Its current companions at Nazareth’s Moravian Historical Society, a Tannenberg pipe organ and possibly the oldest piano made in the United States, will be additional objects of study for those attending the colloquium, who will also visit a 1799 German clavichord by J.C. Meerbach in nearby Bethlehem.
Participants will scrutinize original documents and technical evidence identifying Tannenberg’s clavichord and familiarize themselves with his design work and skill. Moravian archives also hold a technical drawing that has proven to be the only existent clavichord construction plan from the 18th century. The colloquium also covers the clavichord’s historic role in music making in the U.S.
To register or to learn more about the colloquium contact Laurence Libin at ksl@nic.com.
GARY FREEMAN