J.M.Anciuti Alto in F at A = 440 Hz

Of Joannes Maria Anciuti almost nothing is known. He made recorders, flutes, oboes and bassoons, and the dates on many of his instruments show that he was active in the period 1709-1740. While some of his instruments are marked with the Lion of St Mark, Venice, others bear a griffin. Anciuti was probably the earliest Italian to to make French-style woodwind instruments.

soprano recorder in boxwood – collection of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan

alto recorder in ivory – collection of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan

 

Our copy is of an original alto recorder from a private collection in Parma dated 1729. This instrument is at A = 440 Hz, which confirms the relatively high Italian pitch compared to that of French and German during the same period.

dolciflauti