CHRIS MAENE GRAND , RUISELEDE, 2019

Replica Anton Walter, Vienna, 1795

 

At the end of the 18th century, Gabriel Anton Walter made some important innovations to the 'Viennese action', for example the back check and brass kapsels. Anton Walter (1752-1826) made organs, harpsichords and fortepianos. When Vienna became an important pianocentre in Europe, he moved to Vienna to develop his business. Five octave instruments were common in this period, and Walter was considered as the most famous fortepiano maker of his time. Many composers and artists admired his instruments, such as Mozart: he bought a Walter in 1782 and used it until his death in 1791. The Chris Maene fortepiano is a replica of the Anton Walter in the “Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nürnberg”. As the original, it has a very light touch, an improved repetition with leather hammers, and dampers.

Technical data:

• Compass: FF-g'''
• Keyboard: naturals in ebony, sharps in bone tops
• Pedals: kneelevers: damping, moderator
• Dimensions: L 219 cm / W 98 cm
• Case: mahogany, hand polished
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 61 503
• Location: 3 - Museum headquarters "Piano's Maene" Ruiselede