Clarinet in B-flat

Charles Joseph Sax

1830 · Ivory, brass, gold-plated silver · Musical Instruments

The ivory body of this clarinet and its ornate gold plated keys suggest that it was a special commission or presentation piece. Its bell proclaims Sax’s status as musical instrument maker to the court of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This instrument is also distinguished by its early use of Ivan Müller’s improved thirteen-key system, which became the preferred choice of most clarinet players until the beginning of the twentieth century.

Artist

Charles Joseph Sax

Date

1830

Medium

Ivory, brass, gold-plated silver

Culture

Belgian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Funds from various donors, 1953