Thursday, September 17, 2009

Broadwood Square Piano



The front view and nameboard of the 1795 Broadwood square piano, maker's number 2998, on which I performed some technical work for Glenn Giuttari's Harpsichord Clearing House, in preparation for delivery to its new owner. The instrument, save for 4 wound and 1 brass string, is entirely in its original, quite playable condition. A very small dab of Hoppe's no. 9 Premium Gun Oil on each damper lever successfully and efficiently brought them to a nearly perfect working condition, as several were quite sluggish or entirely inoperable. I cautiously set the pitch of the instrument at A392, as there is a very slight twisting of the case, a common square piano "disease." The instrument, however, is very stable, and, with luck, will continue to offer joy and solace to its listeners and players for another 209 years.

Stodart in Concert


On Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, at Sayles Memorial Congregational Church in Lincoln, RI, the Stodart made its 21st century debut, in two tremendously successful performances featuring fortepianist Sylvia Berry and myself, in programs including the music of Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, and Clementi.
The sound and action were enthusiastically praised by all who heard and played the instrument. The success of these performances was deeply gratifying on both a personal and professional level. Up next: the completion of my Opus IV harpsichord, a 392/415/440 transposable single, FF-f''' 8'x8'x4'/buff.