Welcome back!
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many posts on highlights in piano history. I will be digging through my reference library to share with you milestones on the road from Bartolomeo Cristofori to Torakusa Yamaha and beyond. If you have questions or come across something interesting that might add to this list, please leave a comment. Enjoy, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Pianos in America
- 1771 – First public reference to a piano in America – “Massachusetts Gazette” carried a notice announcing a recital on March 21, 1771, during which “some select pieces on the forte piano and guitar” were to be performed by David Propert.
- 1774 – First newspaper ads for piano lessons – George d’Argeau of Baltimore and H.B. Victor of Philadelphia.
- 1775 – First American-manufactured piano – John Behrent of Philadelphia.
- 1830 – Jonas Chickering goes into partnership with John Mackay, an established marketing genius.
- 1851 – Chickering exhibits first American-made pianos shown in Europe at London World’s Fair. Wins highest honors.
- 1853- Steinway & Sons founded in New York by Henry E. Steinway, with his sons Charles and Henry Jr.
- 1856 – Rudolph Wurlitzer Company founded in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- 1857 – W.W. Kimball started as a piano dealer in Chicago. Started making pianos in 1882.
- 1862- D.H. Baldwin Co. founded in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- 1880 – Last square grand manufactured.
- 1935 – First “spinet” piano manufactured by Wurlitzer.
- 1955 – First “electric” piano manufactured by Wurlitzer. (Model EP-110)
- 1965- Harold Rhodes introduces first Fender Rhodes electric piano, the Suitcase 73.
References:
Dolge, Alfred. Pianos and their Makers: A Comprehensive History of the Development of the Piano. New York: Dover Publications, 1972. (First edition – Covina: Covina Publishing Co., 1911.)
Spillane, Daniel. History of the American Pianoforte: Its Technical Development, and the Trade. New York: Da Capo Press, 1969. (First edition – New York, D. Spillane, 1890.)
Rhodes Music Corporation – Redefining History. (http://www.rhodespiano.com/history_1.htm)
Wurlitzer Story. (http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Baldwin/About/The Wurlitzer Story/)
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