Mordaunt Levien and his Instruments

Mordaunt Levien (c1784-1854), an English musician of the nineteenth century, is widely known as the inventor of the guitare harpe (patented in Paris, 1825). Unlike other harp lutes, this instrument reflects certain French influences: black and white inlayed purfling and rosette; an ebony pin-bridge with moustaches on both ends. The substantial number of surviving examples suggests this instrument was commercially successful, and the guitare harpe became a synonym for Levien's devotion to French fashion. Little is known, however, about Levien's life or his instruments built in the English style prior to 1825. Using a variety of sources—newspaper adverts, census returns, plus marriage and death certificates—this article provides the first outline of Levien's career. It also explores Levien's contribution to the development of the harp lute during the first half of the nineteenth century, examining his series of innovative designs in relation to contemporary musicians and music sellers. Moreover, it will be shown that despite the prevalence for the continental style of guitar making, Levien in fact maintained a preference for the traditional English style throughout his career.