Thomas Boekhout built recorders, flutes, oboes, and bassoons, and there even survives a (very early!) clarinet from his workshop, but he was perhaps best regarded in his day for his bass recorders. The lowest pitch of this beautiful recorder is B', and it may be an example of a soprano in B' flat, also known as a fourth flute because it is pitched a fourth above the alto in F'. This is the same size instrument that was used by Charles Dieupart (ca. 1667–ca. 1740), a French composer who worked in London. This instrument is stamped "T. BOEKHOUT" between a crown and lion rampant.

Open full-size image