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Fr-clavecin
Ferdinand Hofmann

Viennese Fortepiano after Ferdinand Hofmann, 

circa  1790

Description

The original of this fabulous instrument is in a private collection in Holland and is a fine example of the Viennese fortepiano before the later heavier cased instruments of Beethoven's day.  It is ideally suited to the music of Mozart and Haydn and their contemporaries with its light and responsive action in which the dynamic range between loud and soft can be controlled to an extraordinary extent.  The tone is sonorous and full while not being overbearing;  the treble clear ,  the bass richly balanced.  For the study of keyboard music of the late 18th century an  instrument such as the Ferdinand Hofmann fortepiano will give the opportunity for unparalleled insights and the possibility of fully authentic performance.  This instrument is priced in such a way as to make it available to serious musicians who are more interested in quality of tone and authenticity of touch than decoration and ormolu.

Specifications

Compass

Mechanism


Dimensions


Construction


Soundboard 


Keyboard

 

Stand


Music desk

FF-f3.

Viennese escapement action using brass kapseln and check

Length 211 cm   Width  96 cm   Depth of case  26 cm

The case is of wild cherry with an internal structure of fir.

Spruce soundboard and ribbing.  Bridge of cherry.

Naturals:  African ebony with boxwood key fronts. Accidentals:  Stained pearwood topped with bone.

Cherry wood with detachable legs for transportation.

Fretwork of cherry wood with silk backing.