Wizardry in Wood

Since medieval times at least, woodwind instruments have required the skills of the woodtumer: the bore has to be drilled and accurately shaped, with the outside turned to give precise wall thicknesses as well as to provide for joining pieces together, to combine functionality with beauty and ergonomics.

In the second half of the 17th century a new range of woodwind instruments was developed in France and spread across Europe: "baroque" designs of recorder, flute oboe and bassoon, more sophisticated in construction than their predecessors.

Some of Europe's most important makers set up their workshops in London.  The two best known and most prolific were Pierre Jaillard from Bourg-en-Bresse, who took the name 'Bressan' in 1688, and Thomas Stanesby from Derbyshire, who trained as a turner in London and gained the Freedom of the Turners' Company in 1691.  Their instruments are recognized as of the highest quality in tone and playing qualities of any in Europe.

Many 18th-century instruments remain playable, but are too fragile and too valuable to be used frequently.  So players wanting to recreate the soundscape of Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi and Handel rely on modem reproductions.  Modern makers must rediscover the skills of the old makers, in turning and in the subtleties of tuning and voicing where minuscule amounts of wood removed can make the difference between an indifferent instrument and a great one.

The reproductions of surviving 18th-century instruments shown are made by:

• Mathew Dart:  studied Woodwind Instrument Making at London College of Furniture, makes bassoons & flutes after 18th-century originals, studying for PhD on 18th-century bassoon.
  E-mail:  Mathdart@aol.com
  website:  www.mathewdart.homestead.com
• Tom Pockley:  chemistry teacher turned professional turner of decorative & functional objects including musical instruments. Member of Register of Professional Turners.
  E-mail:  tom@woodturner.uk.com
  Website:  http://www.woodturner.uk.com
• Tim Cranmore:  one of the world's leading makers of recorders.  Winner, Musical Instrument section of the Woodworker Show 1998.
  E-mail:  timcranmore@recorders.freeserve.co.uk
  Website:  http://www.recorders.freeserve.co.uk
• Mark Baigent:  studied performance on the baroque oboe at Royal Northern College of Music, plays with major historical instrument orchestras English Baroque Soloists & The Sixteen.  His own chamber music band, the Denner Ensemble, is available for functions and concerts: hear them at the Horniman Museum August 25th, 7.30 p.m.
  E-mail:  m@rkbaigent.freeserve.co.uk
  Tel:  07850 914 0244