Sopranino Clarinet in D 1800 - 1838

This is a sopranino clarinet in D, made by Max Stiegler. It’s crafted from wood, with metal keys and fittings, and a reed mouthpiece. The body’s made from sections that have been carefully turned, bored, and joined to create a continuous air column. Then, holes are drilled at precise intervals, and the keywork attached using an array of tiny screws, rods, and springs. It is a highly refined form of woodworking and metalworking, requiring years of training to master. The making of such an instrument involves many different types of labor. Mining and refining the metals, harvesting and curing the wood, and the skilled work of crafting and assembling the components. All of these layers add to the complexity of the clarinet’s social history. Considering the materials, processes, and the labor involved challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, allowing us to fully appreciate the rich history and meaning embedded within this clarinet.