The Schantz Forte-piano

A copy of an instrument in private ownership in Holland.

Description

What is unusual about this remarkable forte-piano is its early date for an instrument with such a wide compass.  It is thought to date from about 1790 making it contemporary with the end of Mozart's life and with some of Haydn's very productive years. The turn of the 18th century is a particularly interesting time in the history of piano-making. The fashion for these lighter instruments was short-lived before the very much heavier cased instruments of the 1830's became established. Schantz was a great experimenter and without doubt one of the very great piano makers of this era and highly regarded by Haydn.

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