Blüthner

During the second half of the 19th century, Blüthner was one of the most famous firms in Germany. By the end of the century, they had become the second-largest piano manufacturer in Europe, and prior to the outbreak of World War I, they were producing more than three-thousand pianos annually.

This instrument was in the possession of the wife of the former West German Ambassador to Australia for her entire life. A hand-written inscription in fading ink “25/3/11” on a small paper label attached to the inside of the cheek perhaps reveals the original date of purchase. It has the serial no. 84277.

During the 1980s, the piano was kept at the West German embassy in Canberra. While there, the instrument was played at many diplomatic functions, and was a vital part of the developing musical and cultural life of Canberra.

The Blüthner piano is in its original condition, and includes a characteristic feature of their grands. In 1873, Julius Blüthner received a patent for his Aliquotsaiten-System, comprising an unstruck and undamped fourth string tuned an octave higher, and located slightly above its related three strings of each note in the treble which are struck. The aliquot string is free to resonate, and adds much color to the sound.

The unique tone of Blüthner blends with the human voice, and is particularly suited to chamber music. Claude Debussy owned a Blüthner piano of the same design and size as this instrument, and wrote his later piano music on it. It is assumed by many that the tonal characteristics of the piano are well suited to Debussy's music. 

This instrument entered the collection of the ANU Keyboard Institute in 2007, on loan from the family of the former West German Ambassador. The representative of the family, Christian Fabricius, recounts a story of extraordinary coincidence. In 1977, the family located to Paris subsequent to an appontment at UNESCO. During this time, they lived at No. 24 Square de l'Ave Foch, the hourse in which Deubssy died. 

Pitch: A440

 

 

Updated:  19 November 2022/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications