What's the intended repertoire? There's a world of difference between Cristofori-Silbermann models and those familiar to Mozart, not to mention Broadwood-type grands suitable for late Haydn and early Beethoven (maybe cheaper to buy an original Broadwood in good condition than commission a copy, though). Most schools go for more-or-less generic Stein, Schantz, or Walter copies before they branch out to more exotic models. Interest is increasing in copies of early-19th-century 6-octave Viennese-type pianos such as Grafs, which are larger and more stable. In any case the actions are somewhat delicate and all-wood cases do flex, so more maintenance will be required than with a modern piano. If you maintain climate control, keep the pitch down where it belongs and the players aren't abusive, a good copy should last fifty years or more. Tom and Barbara Wolf make and maintain superb fortepianos in a variety of styles. Rod Regier is another experienced builder, as is Richard Hester (but not if you're in a hurry). Cornell and Oberlin techs can advise you on specifics.
Laurence
----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Foote
To: caut at ptg.org
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2010 12:57 PM
Subject: [CAUT] Fortepiano for University
Greetings,
The school is considering acquiring a new fortepiano or a pianoforte. The first question is which era, as they are not homogenized like pianos. Another question is style of action, and yet another question is durability, I don't want to get a prima donna instrument that gets weird every time it is moved.
I also don't want to re-invent the wheel, so was hoping that other Cauts that deal with the 18th century in an academic environment would offer a suggestion or two.
Thanks,
Ed Foote RPT
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
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