Anonimo
(Germania del Nord) 1820 ca.
The first upright piano was built by Domenico del Mela, a priest and teacher, in 1735. The concept was not new, since it was modelled on a preceding instrument, the Clavicytherium, a kind of harpsichord with the strings and soundboard positioned vertically.
During the nineteenth century the upright piano was found in varying forms: the cabinet (or bookcase), like the instrument here on display, the giraffe, the lyre, and the pyramid, as well as the instrument in use today.
style: upright
height: cm. 223
width: cm. 118
height (floor to keyboard): cm. 75
compass: FF-f””
octave size: cm. 16
strings: FF-BB (bichord brass winding) C-G (trichord brass) G#’-f”” (iron)
action: Upright spring
hammer covering: 2-3 leather layer
pedals: dampers, moderator (missing)
wrest pins: flattened
bridge: continuous
structure: wood
case: mahogany neo-ghotic style
