List of Keyboards
Square Piano by Grove, D.B.
This square piano was made by D.B. Grove in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1833-1835. Since D.B. Grove signed his piano with only his initials, it is not certain whether he was the Daniel Grove known as a cabinetmaker in Philadelphia in 1829. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, single action, leather hammers, single-strings for first 8 notes, the rest double-strings, 2 pedals: buff and dampers, an iron string plate frame in the shape of an eagle, and a wood case
Credit: Smithsonian
Double Virginal by Grouwels
This is the only known instrument of Lodewijck Grouwels, a Protestant maker who left Catholic Antwerp in 1593 and moved to the Calvinist stronghold of Middelburg. The instrument is sometimes referred to as a “mother and child virginal,” as there is a main virginal (the mother) and a second smaller removable octave virginal (the child). The small keyboard is a replacement made by the famous harpsichord maker Arnold Dolmetsch in 1896 during a restoration of the entire instrument.
Cabinet Piano by Groetaers, J et fils
This cabinet piano was created for the Third General Exhibition of Brussels in 1830. Its distinctive case was designed by the renowned architect Tilman-François Suys, who also served as architect to the Belgian royal court. The instrument is particularly remarkable for its four ivory pedals, a rare and exceptional feature that sets it apart from most pianos of the period.
Photo Credit: Daderot Wikicommons
Cabinet Piano by Groetars & Sons
This Belgian cabinet piano was designed for the 3rd ‘exposition générale à Bruxelles’ in 1830. This special design was drawn by the famous architect Timan-Francois Suys, who was also the architect at the royal court. This instrument has 4 pedals of ivory, which makes it an exceptional piano.
Technical data:
Inscription: J. GROETARS & ZONEN
Compass: 6,5 octaves (CC-f'''')
Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
Pedals: 4 in ivory: harp - una corda - forte - celeste
Dimensions: W 182 cm / D 61 cm / H 242 cm
Case: Lemon and amaranth veneer with mother-of-pearl motifs inlays according to drawing by T.F. Suys
Literature: VANDERVELLEN, P. "Le pianoforte dans les provinces belges (1761-1851)"
Chris Maene Collection number: CM 65 318
Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels
