Clarinet, Gottlieb Crone, c. 1750
boxwood (hardwood), l 540mm × d 60mm More details
Early 18th-century clarinets, of varying materials including boxwood, ivory, and ebony, had just two keys; this number soon grew, affording the player more possibilities. By the end of the 18th century the clarinet was used in the orchestra and as a solo instrument, for instance in Mozart’s music. This instrument, with two keys, is one of the earliest to have come down to us.
