Mozart Fortepiano by Chris Maene
This replica, made by Chris Maene Workshop, is identical in every detail to the original Mozart fortepiano and captures all the characteristics of the original instrument. Mozart acquired an Anton Walter fortepiano as a concert instrument and played it regularly in his academy concerts in various concert halls in Vienna between 1782-1791. The Mozart fortepianos were built in Vienna by the famous Anton Walter between 1780 to 1800 and was a five octave instrument with a very light touch. Walnut wood was used for the body of the instrument and in contrast to a modern instrument the natural keys are black and made of ebony, the accidental keys are white and covered with bone.
About Chris Maene
Chris Maene was born in 1953 and learned the craft of instrument making in the piano workshop of his parents, Albert Maene and Zulma Doutreloigne, in Ruiselede in Belgium. At the age of 16 Chris Maene made his first harpsichord and at the age 21 he built a copy of a Dulcken fortepiano from 1794.
His vast knowledge and interest were the beginning of Chris Maene’s current workshop, where he is assisted by 10 staff members, who each have their own specialty, to build and renovate a steadily growing selection of fortepianos and harpsichords.
Today the Chris Maene Workshop is world famous for their unique handcrafted replicas of historical instruments as well as high end Grand Pianos. Chris Maene also collects historical keyboard instruments and his exclusive collection consists of approximately 200 different rare instruments.
Read more at http://www.chrismaene.be/