Treble recorder, Jean-Hyacinthe Rottenburgh, Brussels, 18th century, inv. 1027
The Rottenburgh family was active in Brussels during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, four generations of instrument-makers and musicians succeeding each other. Their instruments were highly prized and the reputation of the Rottenburgh name extended from the Brussels Court to far abroad. However, there is a great deal of confusion about the exact attribution of the instruments, given that the makers used each others’ signature.
This treble or alto recorder is in boxwood, has two ivory rings and bears the signature of Jean-Hyacinthe Rottenburgh.
In 1968, basing himself on the recorders of Jean-Hyacinthe Rottenburgh, Friedrich von Hüne designed a recorder ensemble for the German firm Moeck. These instruments are still being sold throughout the world.