Monzani Cocus & Ivory 5-Key

A rare and distinguished English flute, serial number 2195, assessed by Michael Lynn as dating to around 1820, possibly a few years earlier. The hallmarked silver keys make precise dating possible: the silver hallmarks, which Monzani applied to all his keys, can be read to identify the exact year of manufacture. This is a less common Monzani configuration, carrying five keys rather than the more frequently encountered six or eight. As Lynn notes in his demo video, the omission of the long F key was not unusual for the period; a number of English and French players of the time did not consider it necessary. The five keys present are Bb, C, G#, short F, and D#. The right-hand tone holes are moderately large, contributing to what Lynn describes as a good, big, rich sound. The bore is conical, as is standard for the period.

The body and all sections are original. The ivory rings are largely original, with two replaced in artificial ivory during restoration; these are visibly whiter than the aged originals. There is a sealed crack in the barrel and headjoint. The keys have a few minor repairs, none of which affect playability.

The flute plays at A440 with the headjoint extended approximately 6mm when cold. Lynn notes in his demo that the pitch range is quite wide, with the slide offering sufficient travel to bring the flute comfortably down toward A430. He describes it as an easy flute to play, notably lightweight by the standards of many Monzani instruments, and characterizes it as responsive and fun to play. The demo video, in which Lynn performs a selection of 19th-century English flute repertoire including a piece by Nicholson, gives an excellent sense of the instrument's voice.

About the Maker

Tebaldo Monzani was born in Verona in 1762 and came to London about 1785. He apparently played both flute and oboe, but gave up the latter after moving to England, subsequently becoming well known as a solo and orchestral flautist and remaining active in this capacity until about 1803. From 1787 he established premises in London where, from various addresses, he published his own compositions and other works. Around 1800, together with the composer and musician Giambattista Cimador, he founded the company Monzani & Cimador, which was dissolved around 1805 following Cimador's death. In 1807 he was naturalized as a British subject and then formed the flute-making firm Monzani & Co. together with Henry Hill, an instrument maker, music seller, and publisher. In 1808 they entered their hallmark "HH & TM" at Goldsmith's Hall, received a royal appointment as Music Sellers to the Prince Regent in 1815, and by 1819 were designated music sellers in ordinary to His Majesty. The firm produced a great many fine flutes from 1808 to 1829, when Monzani retired and Hill continued the business as Hill, late Monzani & Co.

Monzani's flutes differ from most English flutes in a number of ways; one might guess that he was influenced by Continental instruments more than other London makers were, but he deserves credit for many innovations. According to the Langwill Index, he was the earliest woodwind instrument maker to number his instruments, commencing around 1809. The firm concentrated on finely crafted and innovative flutes and clarinets, but also made oboes and horns. Monzani would have been the most important London maker before the advent of Rudall & Rose.

Michael Lynn is Professor of Historical Flutes and Recorder at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a position he has held since 1977, working as a performer, teacher, and scholar of historical flutes. He maintains a website at originalflutes.com based on his personal flute collection and presents lectures and demonstrations on the history of the flute.