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Vincenzo Sodi
The relationship between Sodi's work and that of Bartolomeo Cristofori is discussed by John Koster in Musique Images Instruments IV,1998. Koster's article for the New Grove notes that Sodi's "extant harpsichords, dated from 1778 to 1792, are in a thick-cased non-inner-outer style derived from that of Bartolomeo Cristofori. Two made in 1778 and 1780 (see below) have double tongue jacks with soft and hard leather plectra in the manner of the Cembalo Angelico..."
A report of double jacks is found in the anonymous description of the cembalo angelico, published in Rome in 1775. According to the report, the cembalo angelico has jacks with two tongues, one with compound leather plectra pointing in one direction, the other with quill plectra pointing in the other direction. According to the description, the sound produced by the leather plectra was more like that of the 'harpsichord with hammers', the piano. Touch alone could determine the loudness of the sound. A sharp attack, the report states, would produce three times the sound of a light, caressing touch. The cembalo angelico was also provided with pedals to change the registration while playing. Such an instrument with double jacks was acquired by the Shrine to Music Museum in Vermillion in 2001. It is a harpsichord by Vincenzio Sodi (Florence) dated 1780 and has two sets of jacks, each of which has plectra pointing left and right, one of leather and one of quill. One can thus choose between two 8' stops quilled or two 8' stops leathered. Leather plectra were thus more widespread than is sometimes supposed. Sodi the maker of instruments with leather plectra and with double plectra. See Shrine to Music Museum. Newsletter May 2001.
Extract courtesy of Dr. Michael Latcham Curator, The Hague Gemeente Museum The combination of the Piano and the Harpsichord Throughout the 18th Century
The sonic renaissance of the magnificent Italian harpsichord built in 1782 in Florence by Vincenzo Sodi. In collaboration with the RAMM, Sound Gallery are to establish an installation within the Museum. We aim to create an interactive music room with original instruments that will be on display along side playable, digital reconstructions.
History
The Sodi was donated to the RAMM in 1934 by Mrs Luxmoor of Stafford Barton, Devon. She was the widow of CFC Luxmoor, the author of 'English Salt-Glazed Pottery'. He apparently inherited it from an aunt, who, with a sister and a 'designing' Italian manservant, travelled extensively in Italy in the 1920's. For the latter years she lived in Florence and purchased the harpsichord there. It was in poor condition when it was acquired, but through the help and interest of Colin Tilney, the RAMM and Friends of the Museum, it was restored.
Construction Notes
The case is of cypress, elaborately painted with romantic landscapes, seascapes and floral sparys. Under the main case is a biblical scene, Moses in the bulrushes and the lid is painted with scrolls and a trophy of musical instruments. The decoration and paintings would themselves make for an interesting paper if researched.
The compass is unusually wide - five octaves (61 notes). Originally GG to F3, later extended by dividing the wide existent F key in two to make F and a new G was added. The keys are of box wood, except for the highest which is of box covered walnut. There are two 8' stops operated by hand levers and the cut off bar is curved and made in two pieces laminated together. There are two sets of strings and jacks.
Vincenzo Sodi Harpsichord 1780
One keyboard, FF-f'''. 8'8', the back 8' has original double tongue jacks (leather). The front 8' jacks have been replaced In excellent condition. Dimensions: length: 2385 mm width: 950 mm height: 240 mm
Documented in boalch and more recently by two prominent experts and listed in catalog No. 6 of Leopoldo Franciolini, this antique harpsichord by the Florentine builder Vincenzo Sodi is being offered through Harpsichord Clearing House. Built in 1780, this grand example of a late Italian harpsichord retains antique decoration, including a pastoral scene extending over the lid and flap interior, and, on the case exterior, an elaborate arabesque motif in red against a dark green background.