A second Maggini and “Little Dutchy” both were ready in 2015. The former is of old European maple and spruce; now in the hands of @pablo.f.kennedy, it freelances in the Boston area. The first Little Dutchy turned out so well that we wanted to prove the design with another. It has a top of “pond pine” supplied by Seth Kimmel. Salvaged from a sawmill pond in Oregon after more than a century, the well-preserved wood moves less after being dried out. It can be heard on numerous videos from owner @basshoriguchi
Six months after his death, the larger musical world bade farewell to Chris Hogwood in London with a properly grand tribute. Held at St George’s church in Hanover Square – Handel’s church -seating capacity was limited, so tickets were issued to invitees. We were thrilled to be among the fortunate; there was no question of whether to go. The Academy of Ancient Music’s chairman offered us use of his room at the fabled Oriental Club, walking distance from St George’s. A beautifully printed program book for the service was decorated simply with the same blue pattern that marked Chris’s personal stationery. Some AAM members who played for the service were former leaders of the ensemble who returned for this occasion.
After the service and lengthy enormous reception, we took the train to Bath, where Chris’s brother Jeremy and his wife hosted us for a couple of nights. The next day everyone went to an auction of his instruments and musical artifacts. A photo of him standing in front of our horse trailer is a favorite, bittersweet portrait.
On a happier note, we finished a new rental harpsichord based on our antique Italian. It was the first false inner-outer version of the design: musically vigorous, and less fragile to move. A peacock took over the lid painting of an Italian ruin.
And finally Opera Lafayette reached the end of their Naxos contract with another world premiere recording of an opera that had been a big hit in the 18th century.
