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Joseph Fritz c. 1835

Description

Date:

1835

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Origin:

Vienna

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Serialnumber:

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This fortepiano comes from the famous piano manufactory of Johann Fritz, which was one of the most important companies in Vienna in the early 19^th century and then continued by his son Joseph Fritz. The instruments are characterized by an excellent sound and a light touch. This instrument was built in Vienna around 1835 and still shows the angular shape. At that time, metal bars and metal frames were already common to strengthen the case, which this piano does not have. It is still built entirely of wood according to the traditional method of construction. The case is made of walnut and stands on three baluster legs with decorations. The keyboard is made of ivory and ebony and the nameboard is decorated with brass inlays bearing the signature:

“Joseph Fritz

Wien”

Joseph Fritz, Vienna c. 1835 – Eric Feller Collection (3)

The hammers are covered with leather, Viennese action, straight string with a divided bridge and two pedals (dampers and una corda). The compass is 6 octaves + sixth, CC – a4. The music stand is attached above the wrest plank and has two pivoting candle holders on each side.

Joseph Fritz, Vienna c. 1835 – Eric Feller Collection (4)

Little is known about Joseph Fritz. He was born in Vienna in 1808 and is the son of Johann Fritz (born 1772 – died in Vienna 1834). After his father’s death, he continued to run the workshop and continued the successes of his father, who previously had the reputation of being one of the best piano makers in Vienna. From about 1837 he moved his workshop to Graz and built instruments there.

Other surviving instruments by Joseph Fritz:

• c. 1840 Grand Fortepiano – Collection Cristofori, Historical Keyboard Instruments B.V., Amsterdam / The Netherlands

Joseph Fritz, Vienna c. 1835 – Eric Feller Collection (2)