Tuerlinckx, Jean Arnold Antoine Bassoons

The Hichwa-Rachor database contains six original bassoons of Jean Arnold Antoine Tuerlinckx (Aerschot 22 Nov. 1753-Malines 19 Dec. 1827). Tuerlinckx flourished in Malines [Mechelen, Belgium] from 1782 to 1827. Closson, in La Facture des Instruments de Musique en Belgique, 1935, notes that Tuerlinckx made all the wind instruments, including basson russes and serpents. He produced many instruments, many of which were made for the military. The firm was continued by his son Corneille Jean Joseph Tuerlinckx (1783-1855). Corneille, an instrument maker and composer, played the bassoon in the local Harmonie [band] called Société Philharmonique. In the Registre des Comptes de la maison of the Tuerlinckx firm, published in Les Tuerlinckx by Raymond van Aerde, Godenne, Malines, 1914, pp. 162-182, one can easily see that though their commerce depended mostly on the clarinet and flute, a great many bassoons were made. The firm ceased activity c.1840.

Jean Arnold Antoine Tuerlinckx Literature
[Revised 2 February 2025]

Aerde, Raymond van. “Les Tuerlinckx, Luthiers à Malines.” Bulletin du Cercle Archéologique, Littéraire & Artistique de Malines 24 (1914).

Closson, Ernest. La Facture des Instruments des Musique en Belgique, 71, 72. Brussels, 1935.

Jansen, Will. The Bassoon: Its History, Construction, Makers, Players and Music, Vol. I, 510, 511. Buren: Frits Knuf, 1978.

Mahillon, Victor-Charles. Catalogue Descriptif et Analytique du Musée Instrumental, Vol. 4, 362. Deuxième volume, Deuxième édition. Bruxelles: Les Amis de la Musique, 1978. Originally published 1909.

Waterhouse, William. The New Langwill Index. London: Tony Bingham, 1993.

Young, Phillip. 4900 Historical Woodwind Instruments. London: Tony Bingham, 1993.