Harpsichordist, harpsichord technician and harpsichord maker.

Harpsichord rentals

Italian harpsichords

I have two Italian harpsichords available for rent. Italian instruments produce a strong, sweet, clear sound that projects exceptionally well to an audience, even when playing in ensemble with other instruments. This, plus their relatively easy portability, makes them excellent choices for someone needing to rent an instrument for a performance or recording session.

Italian harpsichord by David Werbeloff (2003). Based on the 1693 anonymous Italian at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., thought to be by Giovanni Battista Giusti. One manual, 2x8', range GG, AA-d3. A=415 or 440 (top note lost at 440). Length 93"/236 cm. Red and black casework. This harpsichord has a sweet, full sound. The construction style makes it a bit heavier that the Trasuntino described below, though it is still fairly easy for two people to move. It has a removable lid, which, together with its thicker casework, makes it reasonably durable.

Italian harpsichord by Borys Medicky (2009). Based on the 1531 instrument at the Royal College of Music in London, England, by Alessandro Trasuntino. One manual, 2x8', range GG/BB-c3. A=415 or 440 (no loss of notes at 440). Length 88"/224 cm. Natural wood casework, golden colour. This instrument is very lightly built, so it is easy to move. It has no lid, but its strong and bright tone projects easily without one. However, the light construction and lack of a lid mean that it must be carefully handled to avoid damage.

Both harpsichords have a folding music desk. The legs fasten with bolts into the bottom of the instrument, so both instruments can be shifted without separating from the legs (a depressingly common event with most harpsichords!).

French harpsichord

I have one French double harpsichord available for rent. French instruments have a sumptuous and suave tone, less punchy than Italian harpsichords but very lovely to hear.

French double harpsichord by Willard Martin (1981). Based on an early eighteenth-century design. Two manuals, 8'8'4', buff stop, range FF,GG-f3. A=415 or 440 (top note lost at 440). Length 94"/239 cm. Removable lid. This is an excellent instrument for solo recitals or concerto performances, as well as the eighteenth-century literature in general. Of all the instruments I rent, this is the largest and heaviest.

This instrument has a built-in music desk that folds down against the front edge of the pinblock. The stand is not attached to the instrument, so the harpsichord must be shifted carefully.

Availability of these instruments is subject to their not being needed for my own performing activities. I cannot accommodate long-term rental requests lasting for weeks or months at a time (such as a student needing a practice instrument, for example).

Rental details and charges

I will deliver and remove the harpsichord to/from the venue, assist with setting up the instrument upon delivery and pack it up upon removal.

I insist upon being present if the instrument has to be relocated (e.g. to another floor or building) to avoid the potential for damage. Clients are permitted to make small positional shifts by themselves to suit their rehearsal or concert setup.

Rental charges vary depending on the exact circumstances, but a short 1-day/overnight rental involving a return trip to one venue would cost about $400 + 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), with possible surcharges for travel outside the greater Toronto area. One tuning immediately after the instrument is set up (to stabilize the pitch) is included in the rental fee. Rentals involving a longer time frame, or deliveries to multiple venues (such as different rehearsal and concert venues), or requests for me to tune the instrument during the rental period, will be priced accordingly.

A tuning hammer, tool kit and supply of replacement strings and plectra are provided with rented instruments.

Clients must either sign a detailed rental contract or verbally agree to rental terms via email.

Clients are financially responsible for damage to rented instruments and must pay to replace any lost items.

Borys Medicky

Harpsichordist, harpsichord technician and harpsichord maker.

Harpsichord rentals

Italian harpsichords

French harpsichord

Rental details and charges