Fortepiano

Johann Andreas Stein (1728–1792), who was based in Augsburg, is one of the most important piano-makers of the second half of the 18th century. In his hammer pianos, he developed the plucked-string action, known as the ‘German’ or ‘Viennese’ action, which had a decisive influence on the sound and playing technique of piano music. In a letter to his father in 1777, W.A. Mozart expressed his enthusiasm for Stein’s instruments. This fortepiano, dating from 1784, is a playable example of the master’s highly sought-after instruments. The keyboard has a range of five octaves (F1–f3). The lower keys are fitted with ebony and the upper keys with ivory. A knee lever is used to disengage the dampers. The strings are strung in two courses throughout, and the hammer heads, made of solid wood, are covered with leather.