Antoine Vater


Antoine Vater was a notable harpsichord maker in Paris of German origin.

Biography

Vater was born to family of harpsichord- and organ builders. While his older brother Christian Vater took over the family workshop in Hanover, Anton emigrated to Paris in 1715 to practice his family’s profession and gained a reputation as one of the finest harpsichord makers in the city, eventually becoming a Guardian of the Royal Harpsichords, charged with maintaining the large collection at Versailles. He had several apprentices, the most notable being another German émigré to Paris, Henri Hemsch. Vater was a friend of German composer Georg Philipp Telemann who stayed with Vater at his house in Paris during 1737 and 1738. A notice given in the Mercure de France of July 1759 states that Vater was withdrawing from his trade, and had a number of harpsichords for sale, including some by Ruckers.

Surviving instruments

Three instruments by Vater are known to survive today: one is at the Cité de la Musique in Paris, another is in a private collection in England, and a third is in a private collection in Ireland. An instrument at the Ringve Museum attributed to Ant. Watters is unlikely to be by Vater.