Christian Zell
Christian Zell ( also cell; * um 1683 in Hamburg, † April 13, 1763 ) was a German harpsichord maker.
Life
Cell was probably a pupil of the harpsichord maker Michael Mietke. For the first time he is mentioned in 1722 in Hamburg, where he earned the right of citizenship on 14 August and was to spend his entire life. On September 1, 1722, he married Florentina that the instrument maker Carl Conrad Fleischer widow, and took over his workshop near the Opera at the goose market. Together they had three children, all of whom had sponsors from Hamburg musical families. Viewed he died at the age of 80 in Hamburg. An entry in the death register of the Hamburg Jacobi Church states that he was old neunundsiebzigeinhalb years old when he died. Zell's exact birth date is unknown; the year of birth is derived from the age.
Work
From its harpsichords three instruments are obtained: A double manual harpsichord from 1728 is in the Museum of Arts and Crafts Hamburg. It has an international keyboard range of F1 -d3 and three registers (8 ', 8', 4 ') with lute and was restored in 1972 by Martin Skowroneck. Through this magnificent instrument cell has become world famous. It has often been used for recordings of Baroque harpsichord music and still serves many harpsichord makers as a model. An instrument in 1737 with a Manual ( C -d3, 8 ', 8', 4 ', buff ) is located at the Museu de la Música in Barcelona. A third cell harpsichord with original frame is part of the East Frisian countryside and can be visited in Organeum in Weener. This instrument (C -d3, 8 ', 8', 4 ', buff ) is considered one of the best preserved harpsichords of the High Baroque. The single-manual instrument was built in 1741 for the last East Frisian Prince Carl Edzard. Once this was in 1744 died, the work for 220 years remained in the same state in Aurich. 1964/65 was a careful restoration by Klaus Ahrend. A only in silhouette recognizable color version with a winter landscape and skaters is probably attached original, but was not reconstructed. The soundboard was able to remain in the original condition and has never been taken out. The Springer, Springer strips, tuning pins, keys and register mechanics are still original. The jumper of the 4-foot - register are placed between two 8- feet. It is unusual that the soundboard is painted in this instrument. Maybe Zell had the harsh climate of East Friesland in view. The great craftsmanship is evident in the double- curved side wall with its fixed by small wedges dovetail joints and a newly developed key guide with funnel-shaped holes, which prevents shifting of the key against the Springer.
Zell's works are known for their distinctive sound and its rich decoration with painted chinoiserie in the Hamburg style. The characteristic " blooming " in the bass sound is dark and solemn, in the treble brilliant and short in color in the middle and a little less strong.