ZEITTER & WINKELMANN CURVED KEYBOARD GRAND PIANO, braunschweig, 1910
Technological development, stimulated by composers and performers, evolved the keyboard size from 35 keys in the 15e century to 88 keys and sometimes more in the 19th century. A standard keyboard instrument has a straight keyboard, which means the performer has to adjust his or her posture to reach the extreme keys. From the 19th century, some builders introduced a curved keyboard that follows the natural curvature of the arms, allowing playing in a more relaxed posture. The oldest square piano with curved keyboard built in 1827 by Olaf Grandfeld is at the Sibelius Museum in Turku. In the early 20th century, the curved keyboard enjoyed a certain popularity. In 1907, Clutsam-klaviatur patented and made a curved keyboard in Germany, which it sold to several piano builders such as Grotrian Steinweg, Bluthner, Ibach, Schiedmayer & Söhne, Bôsendorfer, Zeitter & Winkelmann etc… Christian Ludewig Theodor Winkelmann founded a piano factory in Braunschweig in 1837. In 1851 Friedrich Zeitter joins the company, forming the partnership Zeitter & Winkelmann. They became known for their high quality and robustness. This rare Zeitter & Winkelmann grand with curved keyboard, with wider soundboard and with a very decorative frame was among the top of their production.
Technical data:
- Inscription: Zeitter & Winkelmann / Braunschweig
- Compass: 7 octaves and 3 notes (AAA-c’’’’’)
- Pedals: 2: controlling keyboard shift, dampers
- Dimensions: L 200 cm / W 144 cm
- Case: Ebony Polished
- Serial number: 19203
- Chris Maene Collection number: CM 12 390
- Condition: original
- Location: 3 - Museum headquarters "Piano's Maene" Ruiselede
