Introducing the Viennese Fortepiano, a lecture-recital

A special event, during which Dan Tidhar will introduce one of his favourite items from his collection of historical keyboard instruments: a replica of a Viennese fortepiano made around 1800 by the renowned maker Anton Walter (1752–1826). The original instrument, now preserved in the Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin, is celebrated as a representative example of the Viennese fortepiano tradition and has inspired numerous modern replicas. This particular copy, created in 1987 by the British harpsichord and fortepiano maker Dennis Woolley, beautifully captures the character and craftsmanship of the original.

Dan will provide some details about the structure and action of the instrument, highlighting key differences between this historical instrument and the modern piano. He will also compare it to other early keyboard instruments such as the harpsichord and the clavichord, while situating it in its historical and musical contexts.

Musical examples will include solo pieces by composers closely associated with this instrument, such as W.A. Mozart and J. Haydn. For some of the demonstrations Dan will be joined by soprano Catherine White, offering an opportunity to hear the fortepiano in its role as an accompaniment instrument as well.

Host or Publisher Hughes Hall MCR