Seven - The Classical Period

Summary

This chapter on keyboard instruments in the Classical period includes a discussion of the continued use of the harpsichord and clavichord by composers such as Mozart and Haydn, as well as throughout Europe, as documented in the writings of Charles Burney. The origins of the English and German/Austrian schools of piano making are discussed, in particular the work of Johann Christoph Zumpe and others referred to as the “Twelve Apostles,” and the Broadwood firm in London, as well as that of Johann Andreas Stein in Augsburg, and Geschwister Stein and Anton Walter in Vienna. Included are technical descriptions of the keyboard instruments used by the principal composers of the period, as well as revelations about the condition and authenticity of the piano said to have been made by Anton Walter and owned by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The inventive work of Johann Andreas Stein, in particular his so-called Vis-à-vis combination piano/harpsichord, is discussed.