Historic 1841 Bachmann Piano Restoration
A$3,065
of $10,000 targetyrs ago
Closed on 3rd Jul 2013 at 1:00AM.
This project involves the restoration of the mechanical action of a rare Viennese style grand piano made in Brno (Czech Republic) in 1841. It is the perfect historical piano for the music of Schumann and Brahms, with a rich but transparent tone and natural transition in tone colour between the high and low registers. An almost identical instrument is housed in the Brahms Museum in Austria. Very few pianos of this type made it to Australia - the gold rush and wealth came later, and in any case historical ties were more with England rather than continental Europe.
This project does not include any purely cosmetic restoration, such as repolishing of the cabinetry. The instrument wears its age in a graceful and appropriate manner. Only the plastic keytops will be replaced with their original (reclaimed) ivory tops, which offers a much better tactile experience for the pianist.
Once restored this piano will be made available to professional groups in Melbourne for just the moving and tuning costs. We want this piano to be enjoyed! Users will also have free access to the piano for rehearsal at its current studio home in Caulfield, Melbourne.
The budget is $10,000. This amount of work should bring the piano to a standard acceptable to professional pianists and generate interest from singers and instrumentalists who want to explore 19th century repertoire with historical instruments. In contrast, the cost of a new instrument copied from a similar historical model is about AUD $180,000, clearly beyond the means of pianists and ensembles who may like to experiment with such a piano.
Why play a historical piano?
It's about creating a natural balance with singers and intrumentalists who don't need to shout or press in order to be heard.
It's about the texture of 19th century piano writing, which can often sound muddy.It's about the beauty of a sound which may be a bit softer but which is rich in overtones and blends well.
The project has the support of a new Melbourne based ensemble for 19th century music, The Friends of Eusebius and Florestan javascript:nicTemp();. They will launch this fundraising campaign at a concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre on April 4.
Preliminary background work has already begun. With the help of Melbourne piano tuner, Gary Beadell, the action was removed, photographed, annotated and the pictures sent to a piano restorer in Vienna, Gert Hecher, who undertook the restoration for the Brahms Museum.
The advice of two leading pianists Julie Haskell (Melbourne) and Neal Peres da Costa (Sydney Conservatorium) was also sought.
In Early May, Auckland based piano maker and restorer, Paul Downie will be in Melbourne and will inspect the instrument with a view to undertaking the restoration. Paul is an internationally respected make of pianos after historical models and has been the subject of numerous news articles and an ABC radio program on Australasian instrument makers.
Download of a piece played on the restored Bachmann piano.
3 chosen / 47 available
Est. delivery is Apr 14
Clarinet lesson with Craig Hill, member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and regular guest of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. (In Caulfield, Melbourne. Other locations by arrangement. This reward is fully transferrable!)
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Mar 13
Two tickets to the next concert presented by The Friends of Eusebius and Florestan, Melbourne's chamber ensemble for 19th century music on period instruments
2 chosen / 18 available
Est. delivery is Apr 14
Six tickets to the next concert presented by The Friends of Eusebius and Florestan. (in Melbourne)
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Apr 14
Private viewing of the piano (in Melbourne) after the restoration for you and up to five of your guests, with a short recital, drinks and canapes. Date to be mutually convenient.
1 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is Apr 14
A short recital by members of The Friends of Eusebius and Florestan in your own home (Melbourne & suburbs only). You may invite as many (non paying) guests as you wish. Date to be mutually convenient.
0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Jul 13
A complete performance of Mozart's sublime Clarinet Quintet K581 in your own home, with members of The Friends of Eusebius and Florestan (Melbourne & suburbs only). Featuring the rare 18th basset clarinet >> clarinetto d'amore<<. You may invite as many (non paying) guests as you wish. Date to be mutually convenient.
0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Jul 13