Metropolitan Museum of Art - Instrument catalogs online

zynthetix

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has put it's catalog of instruments online to be accessed by the general public.

There are over 800 instruments in their database, available here:
http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/listview.aspx?page=1&sort=0&sortdir=asc&keyword=&fp=1&dd1=18&dd2=0&vw=1

As an appeal to the online community, they announced this via their Twitter feed some days ago:
http://twitter.com/metmuseum

And last, but not least, here is a link to their main musical instruments department:
http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/department.asp?dep=18&vW=1

I went to check out the department in person today since I live several avenues from the museum. The brevity of this collection is amazing. While actually reading through the descriptions and examining each instrument in particular, I only made it through one hall of the collection across my two hour visit. I'll have to go back again in an upcoming weekend to take it all in.

Some of the items on display are models from time-periods that musicians such as Beethoven and Haydn owned themselves. Pictured is one such piano.

Definitely check out their collection online. It is not only a great way to see the evolution of our common instruments and musical systems, but also the unique and beautifully crafted instruments you may not otherwise be exposed to. If you are ever in the New York metropolitan area, I highly recommend visiting this exhibit as well. You will be able to see the evolution of various instruments across several hundred years take place in front of you.

DSCF3659.jpg

Description:

Erard piano, the same maker as those used by Beethoven and Haydn. http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/musical_instruments/erard_et_cie/objectview.aspx?page=1&sort=0&sortdir=asc&keyword=piano&fp=1&dd1=18&dd2=0&

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Wout Blommers

seraph · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:33 am Post subject:

I should consider buying a Seraphine Exclamation

Wout Blommers · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:12 am Post subject:

seraph · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:49 am Post subject:

zynthetix