RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments

What secrets hide beneath the Royal Northern College of Music? This is the home of the RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. A treasure trove of over 300 instruments awaits discovery. The RNCM Collection isn’t just a random assortment. It represents the combined legacies of Dr. Henry Watson and Josiah Thomas Chapman, two passionate collectors. Their collections merged, later joined by the city of Manchester’s own collection in 1976. Now the RNCM Collection resides in the basement, a testament to musical history. Pianos of all shapes and sizes dominate the collection, including square pianos and early harmoniums. A 1540 Italian virginal stands as a testament to Renaissance craftsmanship. A decorative 1791 harpsichord and a 17th-century London-made spinet showcase the evolution of keyboard instruments. The collection isn’t just about keyboards. It boasts a fascinating array of stringed instruments. Among them is the curiously named English Guittar, resembling a lute more than a modern guitar. A 1698 Division Viol displays exquisite marquetry. A pair of miniature violins, known as Kits, rest in their case, a snapshot of 1800s musical practice. Perhaps the most remarkable stringed instrument is the world’s smallest playable violin, crafted by Manchester’s own John Shaw in 1901. A mere 105mm long, it’s a marvel of miniaturization. The wind section features trumpets, bugles, and horns, including a rather unsettling Serpent Horn from 1812 London. This twisting metal tube culminates in a snake’s head. Woodwinds include clarinets, oboes, and flutes. The Bass Ophicleide, a mid-19th-century London creation, is a standout piece. The RNCM Collection also houses instruments from around the world. From Japanese Shakuhachi to a Tibetan Kangling (made from a human thigh bone!), the collection represents a global tapestry of music. Even bagpipes from Scotland, Ireland, and Sicily have found their way into this diverse collection. Beyond instruments, the collection houses a cast of Chopin’s left hand, Sir John Barbirolli’s baton, and a lock of Mendelssohn’s hair. The RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments is more than a museum. It’s a journey through the history of music, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. A visit here is a must for any music lover.