CLARINET

Porthaux in Paris. 18 – 19th c.

Dominique Porthaux, (1755 – 1839) was made master wind instrument maker on April 6, 1780. Specialized in the making of clarinets, oboes and bassoons. (He was the brother-in-law of Prudent Thieriot.)

The clarinet is made up of five boxwood parts with ivory mounts. It has five brass keys with square plates mounted on bosses and two others mounted on pivots.

The latter two, made also by Porthaux, are probably later, testifying as much to the technical evolution of the instrument as to the attachment of its owner.

Key of Bb.

Length without spout: 61.3cm