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10-01-2013, 09:54
Early Art Cased Japanese Laquered Upright Pianoforte made by Pfeiffer Paris circa 1830  Wooden framed piano Having 6 octaves and 6 notes! Japanese lacquered case. Jean Antoine Pfeiffer was a pianoforte maker in Paris. According to our archives, the company was forced into bankruptcy in 1839. For more photos and info see full Story 3-01-2013, 08:41
Before the time of television and the internet, live music performances were a primary form of entertainment. Performances were held in private homes, as well as concert halls. Many rivalries formed among pianists and composers. This created a unique angle for entertainment as individuals could then debate the merits of each musician and choose sides. One of the more famous piano duels was held between Franz Liszt and Sigismond Thalberg.
 The rivalry first began in 1836 when Liszt had written a critical review of Thalberg’s most recent concert held in Paris. Though the rivalry was a friendly one, a few scathing remarks were made to the press from time to time, most often by Liszt. Meetings of the two were frequent and were always cordial. Liszt even spent time as a guest in Thalberg’s family home near Vienna in the spring of 1838.  The Gazette musicale announced the program on March 26. “The greatest interest will be without question the simultaneous appearance of two talents whose rivalry at this time agitates the musical world, and is like the indecisive balance between Rome and Carthage.” On the evening of March 31, 1837, Princess Cristina Belgiojoso held a benefit concert for Italian refugees in her Paris salon. Though many musicians performed, the rivalry between Liszt and Thalberg took center stage that evening. So, which pieces were played? Here opinions and sources differ. Some say Liszt began his portion of the concert with his “Grand Gallop Chromatique” and that Thalberg countered with his fantasy variations on Bellini’s “Norma.” Harold C Schonberg mentions Liszt playing his Niobe Fantasia and Thalberg his Moses Fantasia. American pianist Steven Mayer´s re-creation of the duel on the ASV label (1993) suggests the following works. Thalberg: Divertimento on favourite themes by Rossini, Op. 18 “Les Soirées Musica” Fantasia on “God Save the Queen”, Op. 27 Liszt: Divertissement sur la cavatine “I tuoi frequenti palpiti” by Pacini, S. 419 Transcription of Konzertstück in F minor by Weber Harmonies poétiques et réligieuses, S. 173 no 3, Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude Unbeknownst to the other pianist, each one had prepared a new composition to play as their final piece of the night. Liszt’s “Reminiscences de Roberts le Diable” by Meyerbeer is the more well known of the two compositions played that evening. Thalberg’s new piece was “Fantasy” Op. 33, based on Rossini’s “Moise.” The evening was regarded as a draw. ... For more info and complete Article see Full Story. 27-12-2012, 16:44
Piano of HRH Duchess of Orleans given at the moment they left in exile to her Secretary of Orders to HRH Duchess of Orleans, M. Asseline who gave this piano to Louise- Pierre Henriquel-Dupont.  Pleyel Pianino serial number 7391 year 1838. Archives show us that the Pianino of the Duchess D'olreans was sent directly to the Chateau de Villiers right after the Exhibition in 1839! The following is a small paragraph from the journals from that year! "Mme La Duchess d’Olreans a acheté un Piano Vertical en palissandre, et son impatience de le posséder a a été tell que, sans attendre la fin de l’exposition, il a été transporté, pour son usage, au chateau de Villiers." For more photos and info see full Story 23-12-2012, 06:50
Weber art cased Grand piano - Circa 1904  Weber Grand piano art cased in 24 Carat Gold Leaf from the year 1904. Case is completely covered with gold leaf , same as the famous Piano once owned by Elvis Presley! For more info and photos see Full Story. 4-12-2012, 06:28
A Bechstein Model C grand piano in a rosewood case Serial number 85794 year circa 1907 - Length 222cm  For more info and photos see Full Story. |
