Thanks Stuart, for the pretty pictures.
Probably everybody knows that drawings are available of the three
citterns shown? On the left, Gasparo da Salo, Brescia, 11 pegs, so
probably five courses 2+2+3+2+2. Unfortunately the fingerboard was
replaced by the Hills and is now in equal temperament. Centrally, four
courses, diatonic fretting. Seems to be by Michael Bochum, Cologne,
around 1720-30. Compare with Michael Bochum, 1726, no 419, Musee du
Louvre. On the right, 6 courses - the original 'wedges' can be seen in
meantone positions under the replacement e.t. frets. Probably by
Girolamo Virchi, Brescia - compare with the "Stradivarius" in Paris and
the Virchi in Vienna. The 12 pegs are not in their original positions,
and the filled holes do not appear to be original either. Perhaps
x-rays of the peg-head might explain what has happened.
Only suitable Italian music extant is by Paolo Virchi, and difficult,
for 6 and 7 courses with left-hand stretches rather too big for either
of these citterns; perhaps intended for an instrument like the smaller
Virchi (sl. 42.5cm) in Paris, or even a treble cittern, as in England.
Peter.
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