fortepiano

[Fred Sturm]

I once reconditioned a Viennese action grand piano that had a decal
with a date (gold medal/ expo) from the 1920's. Don't remember the name
- it didn't appear in my piano atlas. But goes to show that this action
design lasted fairly late, at least with a couple conservative makers.
	The Viennese action has a generally lighter feel, and shallower key
dip. Somewhat less reliable repetition. And, depending on how you
manipulate the key, you can actually vary the strike point. So, in spite
of the piano in question being a later model, it still would have
interest for someone who wants to experience that type of thing first
hand. Piano students still read books where people as late as Brahms are
quoted preferring either the English or the Viennese action.
Experiencing the action first hand can have a big effect on how you
interpret certain styles of music. At least I have found it so.
	In other words, it has an educational value for the right person. Don't
know how or if that translates into dollars.
Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico