Shudi, Burkat

views updated

Shudi, Burkat [ Tschudi, Burkhardt] (b Schwanden, Switz., 1702; d London, 1773). Swiss-born harpsichord-maker who settled in Eng. 1718. Founded own business 1742 to which in 1772 his son-in-law John Broadwood succeeded. Among those who bought his instrs. were Frederick the Great, Maria Theresia, Haydn, Handel, Gainsborough, and Reynolds. From 1769 Shudi hpds. had the ‘Venetian swell’, enabling volume to be varied by movement of louvres worked by a foot-pedal.