Historical Keyboards
Han's Studio for Piano houses a small but growing collection of historical-design keyboard instruments, representing the Medieval, Renaissance, and Late-Baroque periods.
1
French double harpsichord by Craig C. Tomlinson (Vancouver), 2010
Copy of the Pascal Taskin 1769
Permanent collection
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Equipped with 8' 8' 4' choirs and buff rail, this versatile late-Baroque harpsichord is suitable for everything from Bach, Rameau, and Couperin to Haydn and early Mozart.​
Craig Tomlinson is a master builder of historical keyboards that have been played by international artists. Locally, his instruments are used by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Calgary, and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Han's instrument has been featured on stage with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Early Music Voices, Rosa Barocca, Calgary ProMusica, ChamberFest West, and Mount Parnassus.
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Available for local rental This harpsichord is available for use by professional organisations and individuals.
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ABOVE: Tomlinson French double: detail of soundboard rose
BELOW: Tomlinson French double and Redsell Italian virginal
2
Italian virginal by Matthew Redsell (Toronto), 1981
Copy of Renaissance design
Permanent collection
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The pentagonal virginal is a small harpsichord perpendicular strings, first seen during the late 15th Century. It has a short range but a very strong sound that gave way to the Italian Baroque instruments. It is suitable for Renaissance keyboard music.
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This instrument was originally built for Gertrude Lazda, and was donated in 2018 to Han's Studio for Piano. The restoration was begun by Han in 2018, and professionally completed by Craig Tomlinson in 2024.​ The stand was built by John van Leeuwen.
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Available for local rental This virginal is available for use by professional organisations and individuals.
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3
Portative organ by Paolo Previtali (Milan)
Copy of Medieval design
Permanent collection
This instrument, which was popular during the Italian Trecento period, dates as far back as the 11th Century. Modern knowledge of it derives completely from Medieval iconography in the form of paintings and illuminated manuscripts, since there are no extant copies from the time. The performer plays the keyboard with one hand while operating the bellows with the other.
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Available for local rental This organetto is available for use by professional organisations and individuals.
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4
French double harpsichord by Sabathil & Son (Vancouver Island)
Modernised development of French 18th Century design
Short-term collection (property of Adrianna van Leeuwen)
As a company Sabathil began with production of 'revival harpsichords' and eventually began building more historically-informed instruments, but with some modern advancements in construction. This instrument is an example of the latter.
Previous Collection Item
Unfretted clavichord by Alec Hodsdon (Suffolk), 1960
Copy of Baroque design
(no longer in the collection)
The clavichord, which originated in the Medieval period, bears some resemblance to both the harpsichord and the piano. It produces sounds by pressing metal tangents to the strings. The tone is very soft but capable of subtle dynamic nuances. It was popular as an instrument for practice and composition.
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This particular instrument was restored by Han and sold in 2014.
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