Bentside Spinet

John Crang

1753 · Wood and various materials · Musical Instruments

In England, the bentside spinet was a favorite domestic keyboard instrument since it takes up less room than the harpsichord, is less complicated to maintain and produces a powerful tone. John Crang was considered to be one of the finest makers of spinets, but only two of his instruments survive today. This is the older example of his work and has a five octave range (GG-g3) with natural keys re-covered with ebony or stained rosewood and ivory topped accidentals. The case is beautifully veneered and the inlaid nameboard has a traditional Latin motto that reads "Musica Laborum Dulce Levamen" and translates as "Music is a sweet relief for labors." Technical description: Cross-banded case of mahogany and rosewood decorated with lighter stringing, hardware of engraved brass, natural keys (re-) covered with ebony or stained rosewood, accidentals capped with ivory, range 5 octaves, GG-g³, with stand.

Artist

John Crang

Date

1753

Medium

Wood and various materials

Culture

British

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Rogers Fund and funds from various donors, 1976