This flute was made by Clementi & Co. The company was set up by the Italian-born composer, pianist, conductor and teacher Muzio CLEMENTI (1752-1832).

Born in Rome, the young composer and pianist Clementi was sponsored and brought to London by the wealthy, British writer and politician, Sir Peter Beckford. Beckford had seen the young man’s musical talents, but probably never imagined he would be such a clever businessman.

In 1798, he took over the insolvent company Longman & Broderip, which would later become Clementi & Co. In addition to his famous pianos, Clementi was also involved in music publishing and as we can see, wind instruments. It is not clear whether Clementi himself actually participated in the production of all these instruments. He was rather therefore, a successful modern-day outsourcer!

The brothers Frederick William and William Frederick COLLARD bought into the company and from 1823 to 1831, the firm was called Clementi, Collard & Collard. Clementi then sold all of his shares to the two brothers.

Clementi was married twice and had several children. He retired in 1831…to briefly reap the benefits of his hard work only to die the following year.

This boxwood flute is pleasing to the eye with its lovely honey colour. The key is made of brass and the ferrules and simple cap are crafted in ivory. Its sound is sweet and warm with good overall intonation. It is pitched at a=443 Hz and if pulled out by 3 mm, will play with a nice bright tone at a=440 Hz.