CONRAD GRAF GRAND, VIENNA, 1835

Conrad Graf (1782–1851) is widely regarded as the greatest and most successful Viennese fortepiano maker of the first half of the nineteenth century. His fortepianos were characterized by a robust, entirely wooden construction, resulting in a warm, resonant, and poetic tone. His instruments represented the pinnacle of Viennese Romantic piano building, and his designs served as a model for many other Viennese makers.

Nearly every major performer of the era played on his instruments, including Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Clara and Robert Schumann, Brahms, and many others. In 1824, Graf was awarded the prestigious title of Kaiserlich-Königlicher Hof-Fortepianomacher (Imperial and Royal Court Fortepiano Maker).

To meet the growing demand for his fortepianos, he purchased the Mondscheinhaus in Vienna in 1826, where he expanded production to approximately 100 instruments per year. In 1835, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Piano Building at the Austrian Gewerb-Produkten-Ausstellung (Industrial Products Exhibition).

Technical data:

• Inscription: CONRAD GRAF, Kaisel: Kön : Hof-Fortepianomacher WIEN, nachst der Carls-Kirche im Mondschein No 102
• Compass: 6,5 octaves (CC-g'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
• Pedals: 4: keyboard shift - moderator - double moderator - dampers
• Dimensions: L 245 cm / W 127 cm
• Case: cherry
• Serial number: 2006
• Literature: The Colt Clavier Collection
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 21 360
• Condition: restored to concert level, Chris Maene workshop 2019
• Location: 3 - Museum headquarters "Piano's Maene" Ruiselede