CONRAD GRAF GRAND , WIEN, 1817

Conrad Graf is generally considered to be the greatest fortepiano maker of his time. Nearly every major performer has played on his instruments: Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Brahms, Klara and Robert Schumann and many others. Graf had a large scale production, spanning a period of 30 years and by the time that he sold his company to Carl Stein in 1841, he had build 3000 pianos. This original is considered to be one of the most unique instruments know by this famous fortepiano builder. Because of the fact that it was built around 1817, it is likely to be the oldest remaining original Conrad Graf pianoforte that survived through the ages. 

Technical data:

• Inscription: CONRAD GRAF IN WIEN Wieden n. 542
• Compass: 6,5 octaves (CC-f'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in bone
• Pedals: 6: controlling keyboard shift, bassoon, damper, moderator, double moderator, janissary-drum, 3 bells
• Dimensions: L 242 cm / W 123 cm
• Case: mahogany with gild ornaments
• Serial number: 147
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 21 144
• Condition: unrestored
• Location: 2 - Museum "Chris Maene Collection" Ruiselede