A remarkable collection of rare and unusual musical instruments spanning centuries has been revealed to the public at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester.
The collection, which lies in the conservatoire’s basement, boasts approximately 650 items, including historical artifacts and curious instruments from around the world.
Among the highlights is a Stradivari violin piccolo crafted in 1685 by Antonio Stradivari, widely regarded as the greatest violin maker in history. Visitors can also see a 15th-century virginal, a type of keyboard instrument considered an ancestor of the modern piano.
The assortment encompasses exotic and intriguing pieces such as an African gunibri and a Tibetan trumpet made from human bone, illustrating the breadth of musical heritage represented.
In addition to instruments, the collection holds personal memorabilia of renowned composers, including a pendant said to contain a lock of Felix Mendelssohn’s hair with gold threading, a fragment of fabric believed to be part of Ludwig van Beethoven’s burial shroud, and a cast of the left hand of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin.
Heather Roberts, the museum manager, expressed enthusiasm about the collection, describing the hidden trove beneath the college as “astounding” and emphasized the wealth of Manchester’s musical history.
Throughout March, the museum has been open with limited visiting slots available in groups of four during National Lottery Open Week, requiring proof of purchase of a National Lottery game.
Roberts added, “We are excited to share the remarkable musical heritage housed here in Manchester and to allow people a glimpse into the diverse range of instruments and memorabilia that have been carefully preserved over the centuries.”
The RNCM’s endeavor offers music enthusiasts and historians alike a unique opportunity to explore centuries of musical craftsmanship and cultural artifacts within a prestigious educational institution.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
