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Muzio Clementi 1809

Description

Date:

1809

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Origin:

London

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Serialnumber:

stamped: 6738 - inked: 7710

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Instruments made by the well-known composer and piano virtuoso Muzio Clementi were among the best of the time at the beginning of the 19^th century and were very much appreciated. Technically and tonally, they were well developed and crafted to the highest standard. Contemporaries called them the best instruments in the world. “Die Firma liefert, ohne allen Widerspruch, die trefflichsten Instrumente in der Welt, die von Clementi’s mechanischem Kopf und Kunsterfahrung veredelt, aber freylich auch die kostbarsten sind.“ (See: Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung, Leipzig 1802, p. 197)

The case of this square piano is made of fine mahogany with surrounding multi-coloured inlays made of different woods. The instrument rests on four turned legs with brass castors and the keyboard is made from ivory and ebony.

The square piano also has a wooden pedal for controlling the dampers. It further has a double action with leather-covered hammers and single dampers and is double strung. The nameboard is painted and bears the signature in a rectangular cartouche:

“New Patent

Muzio Clementi & Co.

Cheapside, London”

Muzio Clementi, London 1809 – Eric Feller Collection (Nameboard)

Clementi’s square pianos always had two serial numbers: one stamped on the left side and one handwritten in ink on the wrest plank (stamped: 6738 – inked: 7710).

The system used by Clementi uses the handwritten number to count the general production of pianos since the acquisition of Longman & Broderip in 1798. The stamped numbers, however, continue the production of square pianos of the acquired company “Longman & Broderip”, but only instruments with the 1794 introduced “New Patent“. Other instruments (for example single action instruments, grand pianos or cabinet pianos) were added together in other groups.

Based on these serial numbers, the year of construction of this instrument can be derived to 1809. (See: Clementi & Co 1798-1830 Pianoforte Manufacture in London, Leif Sahlqvist 2013)

For more information about the company Muzio Clementi & Co. – click here!

Other preserved instruments by Muzio Clementi & Co.:

• 1803 square piano (No. 3468) – Newton Centre: Marlowe A. Sigal Collection, USA
• 1803 square piano (No. 2335) – Museu da Musica Lisbon, Portugal
• 1806 square piano (No. 4095) – Deutsche Museum Munich, Germany