Interesting Additions To Castle Musical Collection

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28699, 24 September 1958, Page 8

Interesting Additions To Castle Musical Collection

“The Press’ Special Service

• WELLINGTON, Sept. 23. Some of the latest acquisitions to the early colonial section of Zillah and Ronald Castle’s notable Wellington collection of musical instruments and music are fascinating examples of early musical art. An early square grand piano, rescued from imminent destruction in one of Wellington’s cliffdweller’s homes, is the forerunner of today’s grand piano. Made about 1850 by Francis Clough, of London, it still has a rich sweetness of tone.

Another early colonial instrument, which has been presented to the collection by an old Marlborough family, is a three-string double bass. Modern orchestras use chiefly the four-string bass, but last century the three-string instrument was in great favour. The head of the bass is plated with silver. Wind instruments in the Castle collection range from medieval times to the nineteenth century An early clarinet made of box, presented to the Castles by Mrs J. A. B Howe, came to New Zealand in the first sailing ships, but seems quite youthful beside a one-handed tabor pipe which was played at the court of the Scottish kings. In the rare music section another acquisition is an early eighteenth century engraved score of Handel’s earliest oratorios, composed in 1708, when he was only 22. At that time he was in Italy (the words are written in Italian) and it was first performed there at the home of the Prince di Ruspoli in the Bonelli Palace.

Another Handel score is his oratorio “Esther,” the original owner of which was a Lady Clayton of Harleyford, whose n£me is written by quill pen inside the score, together with her coat of

arms, which dates from 1329 to 1732. A fine engraving by the famous artist Heath on the frontispiece shows Handel, minus wig, lifted to the clouds by two musical-looking angels. Another early psalter is the John Playford Whole Book of Psalms printed in 1698. It is composed in three parts—for cantus, medium, and bassus, which correspond to our soprano, alto and bass —and its original owner’s name is quilled inside the cover. This forms a fitting companion to the Elizabethan Psalter of 1599 acquired earlier.