Grand Piano by Streicher, N & Sons

This immaculately preserved piano represents a glorious moment in the history of instrument making. A radically re-designed new model with a downstriking action, of which the NMM’s example is one of the earliest in existence and undoubtedly the best preserved, it was patented in 1823 by Johann Baptist Streicher, Nanette’s son, the same year that he joined the firm as a partner. The Streichers maintained a long and very cordial association with Beethoven. The downstriking model, expensive to produce, was the top of their line.

Compass CC to f4 (6-1/2 octaves).
CC-DD# 2 strings; rest 3 strings
Brass strung from CC to E; iron from F# to f4
Three pedals: una corda, due corde, dampers
Downstriking action, as patented by Johann Baptist Streicher.
Biedermeier-style case, veneered in mahogany; but in maple around the soundboard. Spruce dust-cover over the soundboard. Three legs in the form of unfluted classical columns with gilded ornamental bases and capitals; the two front legs with a stretcher to hold the pedal lyre.