Giraffe Piano by Raay, J and Sons

Giraffe piano by J. van Raay, Amsterdam, c.1825. Joannes van Raay was among the most important Dutch piano makers of the early nineteenth century. This elegant instrument, built in the Biedermeier style, features a finely crafted mahogany case with two removable front panels covered in dark green fabric.

Giraffe pianos are notable for their tall vertical form and often incorporate an unusually large number of pedals. This instrument is equipped with six pedals, controlling the following effects: mute, bassoon (bass section), dolce (bass section), dolce (entire keyboard), shift, and a janissary stop combining triangle and drum effects. These pedals provided performers with a wide range of tonal colours and orchestral imitations that were highly fashionable during the period. Photo Credit:Daderot Wikicommons