New Toy

The unexpected acquisition of an ottavino (c/e-c4, based on the c.1595 instrument in the V&A) a few weeks ago was perfectly timed for an outing last Sunday, which was otherwise on clavichord: Fitzwilliam Virginal Book recital 28 was also the third of Farnaby's complete keyboard music, and I added in the short Alman, which is the only Farnaby work not in the FVB. Ottavini are not easy to play, but are quite entertaining; this one needed some restoration, including re-finishing the keyboard, adjusting the action and revoicing.