Release on receipt UMD NEWS SERVICE 724-8801, Ext 210 September 2, 1966

DULUTH -- As a student and teacher of (1700s), music styles and history, UMD Associate Professor C. Lindsley Edson inherited a per- former's desire for accuracy and precision and an "interest in (musical) in- struments of the time."

The keyboard instrument of the baroque period was the harpischord.

In his quest for authenticity, Edson took a sabbatical leave in England dur- ing 1964-65. While there he decided to purchase a .

When the instrument arrived on the ocean-going vessel Manchester

Shipper in July via the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Edsons were settled in their new home at 3500 London Road and a special music room was ready.

The harpsichord was made by Robert Goble & Son, Limited (Oxford,

England) and, in contrast to the piano, the strings are plucked and not struck.

It has a larger range than the piano and Edson's model has two keyboards.

"You can create more dependable subtleties, combinations and tonal qualities on a harpsichord than are possible on a piano because the mechani- cal plucking of the strings is more accurate than the human touch," said

Edson.

He explained that the force with which each key of the harpsichord is struck does not matter, since each one of the plectrum (plucking devices) creates the same note strength as any other.

There are five sets of plectrum and they engage the strings through the use of six pedals. "The pedals give you several interesting combinations," he said. "Actually, I have four in one."

Edson's music room is soundproof and has independent temperature control to protect the instrument. Even seasonal variations in room tempera- ture would he harmful. (more) ...

Edson - pg . 2

The harpsichord' s cabinet is constructed of figured walnut. The

keys are African blackwood and, ironically, the plectrum are plastic, made in

the United States and obviously mass produced.

Edson went to Oxford, England on his sabbatical to do research in

baroque music. Eventually, he began taking private harpsichord lessons from

Mrs. Goble and observed the workmanship, care and quality that goes into a

Goble harpsichord.

"It is something of a family business," said Edson. "Goble has

brought his son into the business. They have about a dozen employees in a

small factor,y at their home in Hedington , a few miles outside of Oxford."

Edson explained that the 20th century has brought about a revival of

the harpsichord through "the growth of musicology (the study of the develop-

ment of musical styles throughout history) and with it a desire and need for

accuracy by playing music on the instrument for which it was written."

One of the most distinguished musicologists of the 20th century

was an Englishman named . He also was a maker of baroque and

renaissance instruments, particularly the harpsichord and . While

he was an apprentice in Dolmetsch's shop , Robert Goble met a young music

student who was to become his wife .

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