Restoration of the fortepiano
“The restoration of the fortepiano was a fascinating process that required, on the part of the restorer, a combination of technical skills and a deep respect for the instrument’s history”
Restoration process
Initial evaluation
A general review of the fortepiano’s condition was conducted, including the exterior, frame, strings, and keyboard. Visible damages such as breaks or wear were identified.
The sound of the fortepiano was checked, along with the keyboard action and hammer mechanism.
Disassembly
The keyboard and action mechanism were disassembled.
The strings and keyboard were removed. The frame was taken off to examine its interior.
Structural restorations
Although it was in very good condition, the furniture, case, embellishments, and wooden frame were restored.
It was sanded to maintain the authenticity of the original design.
Worn or damaged parts of the action were replaced or repaired. The regulation was adjusted to ensure optimal functioning.
Worn hammer heads were restored or replaced to ensure the hammers struck the strings correctly.
Any strings that were too worn were replaced.
The fortepiano was gradually tuned, ensuring the strings stabilized.
Reassembly and adjustment
The keyboard, action, and all components that had been disassembled were reassembled.
Final adjustments were made to the action and tuning to achieve the best possible response from the instrument.
Testing and evaluation
Sound tests were conducted to ensure that all functional and sound aspects were in order.
With this restoration of the instrument, it was achieved not only that it sounds wonderfully, but also that its original history and beauty were preserved.
General characteristics of Fortepianos
The fortepiano refers to pianos built between the 18th century and the mid-19th century, distinguishing them from modern pianos.
This instrument is a keyboard variant with struck strings, situated between the clavichord and the 19th-century piano. Its popularity grew after Gottfried Silbermann began its manufacture in Germany.
Notable fortepiano builders include Johann Andreas Stein from Augsburg, Germany, who developed the well-known “Viennese” action, highly valued in Viennese pianos until the mid-19th century. Another important Viennese manufacturer was Anton Walter. Mozart’s fortepiano, made by Walter, is currently on display at the Mozart Museum in Salzburg, Austria. Haydn also owned a Walter piano, and Beethoven showed interest in acquiring one.
Conrad Graf (1782-1851) is one of the most renowned manufacturers of romantic pianos, known for building Beethoven’s last piano. Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Schumann played his instruments, while Johannes Brahms preferred the pianos of Johann Baptist Streicher. Among notable English piano makers are Johannes Zumpe, Robert Stodart, and John Broadwood. In France, prominent manufacturers during the fortepiano era included Erard, Pleyel (a favorite of Chopin), and Boisselot (a favorite of Liszt).
From the late 18th century, the fortepiano underwent intensive technological development, evolving into the modern piano. Although the manufacture of the old version ceased, Arnold Dolmetsch, a pioneer in early music, built three fortepianos in the late 19th century.
“In the second half of the 20th century, there was a revival of interest in the fortepiano and ancient instruments. Old instruments were restored, and new ones were built following the models and lines of the old. This revival has increased significantly today”