Clarinet

August Grenser was one of the great woodwind makers of the late 18th century. Born in 1720, August opened his shop in Dresden in 1744, the first in a long line of esteemed woodwind makers who worked in the capital city of Saxony. His flutes and bassoons were among the best in Europe. This is the only dated clarinet in A by Grenser known to survive. It has the one-piece bell and bottom joint typical of the earliest clarinets, and was originally a four-keyed instrument, typical of early clarinets, which were just becoming a mainstream instrument. The addition of the fifth key probably took place soon after the clarinet was built. The clarinet is made of boxwood with horn ferrules. The five brass keys have flat, square key covers and are mounted in square rings. The maker's name and date of the instrument are stamped on the lower joint, bell section.