A copy of a 1772 Fortepiano comes to Fisher Library

Currently on view in Fisher Music Library is a copy of a 1772 AMERICUS BACKERS FORTEPIANO. The original Backers nr. 29 is the oldest extant English forte-piano and is housed in the Russell Collection at the University of Edinburgh. This 1982 copy is, as I've read, one of 2 made  by Peter Redstone in Claremont, Virginia. The instrument has languished for several years in a workshop in Pennsylvania as is was little used. Our music librarian was able to acquire it around Spring break as his personal instrument and project.

 Americus Backers (d. 1778), might be described as the father of the English grand pianoforte style, or as commonly called "forte-piano". The action was based on a published sketch of the original Cristofori fortepiano, which was the first ever fortepiano to be built around 1698. Backers improved upon it in areas of power, expression and reliability. The improved action was put in the a harpsichord like case. It is lightly strung and styled like popular harpsichords of the day. Unlike the harsichord the strings are struck and allow for various shades of dynamics. The harpsichord does not respond to changes in force. The sound level is fixed by the voicing of the plectra and the resonance of the soundboard.

Backers added two pedals –the una corda (shift) and the damper lift – which he built into the  trestle stand. These were the first instances of pedals on a fortepiano. The Viennese fortepianos had knee lift levers. These same 2 types of pedals are found on modern pianos. Backers Fortepiano forever changed the direction of Engish keyboard music, eclipsing the harpsichord. Backers’ design eventually evolved by others over the ensuing decades to become our modern piano. Unfortunately he died in 1778 and instruments continued to be sold as his even after his death. Other English makers used his design but claimed it as their own. There were no patents. Even as late as the early 1800s the basic case design remained the same though Backers was long departed. The English action a beefed up variant based on Backers original continued to be use up until the 1900s. It is amazing how modern the action is, though much more delicate.

This Redstone reproduction is currently under rehabilitation, but is playable.

You are welcome to come by Fisher Music Library (Marquis 102) and take a look or strum it lightly. The action and tone are delicate unlike a modern pianos. There are only 2 strings per note and the hammers are very thin and tipped with leather giving it a more rounded guitar or harp-like tone. The damper system is very light, so there's always some  background wash of sound. Baroque through early Classical period composers are the best pieces to try out.

The Backers fortepiano will be on view through the end of the term and part of next term. It is hoped that it can be used in a concert this fall or the coming spring if rehabilitation is successful.

As you can see, it is quite handsome.