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Practice clavier made by Virgil

Object No. 2001/115/1

Advertised in the music magazine Etude in 1903 as "the most perfect scientific aid ever devised for Pianoforte Teaching, Study and Practice" (Vol. 21, No.2, p.78), the Virgil Practice Clavier was part of a genre of piano practice machines and devices aimed at improving player's technique through finger strength and control gained through extended and repetitive practice. These devices were for use at times when practice was not usually considered possible. Mostly they were small and therefore very portable for use when travelling or when a player was not near a standard keyboard. The Virgil Practice Clavier however included a full scale keyboard of seven octaves with a variety of adjustments such as being able to change the weight and key pressure of the keys to strengthen the fingers. Finger exercise machines and practice instruments seem to have evolved from about the 1840s and were a response by manufacturers to the growth of the virtuoso solo performer and their influence on the concert going public. The star performer seems to have captured the imagination of an ever increasing middle class who began to have the wealth to buy the instrument of the industrial age, the piano, and also indulge their free time in learning the instrument and attending performances. This popularity became so important in society that owning a piano and having the ability to play it became a necessary skill for the well rounded individual. The amateur music scene expanded enormously and this was recognised by manufacturers of practice machines who took advantage of the urge for amateur performers to better themselves and to try to emulate the finer players. Machines were a chance for them to improve quickly by building up physical strength, co-ordination and dexterity and very much reinforced the educational view of the time that extended practice did indeed make perfect. However, it was not until the very late nineteenth century and early twentieth century that music teaching philosophy changed to recognise the quality of the practice time rather than the extent of it. As a consequence machines such as the Virgil Practice Clavier soon fell out of favour.

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Summary

Object Statement

Practice clavier, timber/ metal/ ivory, Virgil, [USA], 1890-1910

Physical Description

Rectangular keyboard musical instrument for practice purposes. Silent except for clicks to monitor speed, fluency and finger pressure. Timber case with 4 collapsible legs. Wooden keyboard fall slides back to reveal keyboard of seven octave compass from low AAA to B4. Top panel comes off to reveal weight and spring mechanism attached to each key. This can be adjusted via a key-like handle at the front. Detailed instructions for use, adjustment and maintenance, including illustrations, are attached to inside of upper panel. Collapsible music stand at front. Name on board behind keys reads "Virgil/Perfected/Practice Clavier/London & Berlin" in gold lettering. Reproduction of exhibition medal in gold awarded in Berlin in 1901. Other instructions and patent dates also on board behind keys in gold lettering.

PRODUCTION

Notes

Designed by Almon Kincaid Virgil, New York, [1895]. Made by the Virgil Practice Clavier Company, New York, London and Berlin. Made 1895-1910

HISTORY

Notes

Used by the donor's family as a practice instrument. Has been in donor's family since about 1900. It is unknown how the instrument originally came into the family but it was possibly bought new.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of the estate of Jean Flavelle Davies, 2001

Acquisition Date

20 November 2001

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