The 17th century harpsichord from the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge made a journey to the Dining Room of the Master's Lodge at Downing College last week, where it was played by Sophie Yates in a historic recording of music from the Fitzwilliam collection.

It was a rare privilege for Downing to welcome a distinguished player and a rare and beautiful instrument.  This Italian harpsichord was once believed to date from 1680, but is now believed to be older. It is usually seen in its highly decorated case.

Sophie Yates has made a number of prominent recordings of harpsichord music for Chandos Records, and she is accompanied in the photograph by maker Andrew Garlick.

Sophie Yates

Fitzwilliam Museum harpsichord

Published on 22 November 2017.