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SQUARE PIANOS
Patricia and Philip have always loved music but do not play themselves, whilst living at Tunbridge Wells in the 1970s they acquired their first Square Piano as a piece of furniture but were curious to hear how it would have sounded. The Square Piano was the forerunner of the upright as the popular domestic instrument. They were first introduced c1768 by the German instrument maker Johannes Zumpe and his fellow countrymen who settled in England.
By 1780s, John Broadwood established the firm that would soon dominate the market. The Millers first playable piano was an example of that maker dating from 1802.
The move to Ampthill Park in 1984 meant that not only did the Millers have room for more pianos but that there was a perfect venue for public concerts and they were able to achieve their ambition to invite musicians to perform on their instruments. Two new pianos were acquired the Clementi of c1820 and the Longman and Broderip of c1780. David Leigh of Oxford who had restored the later piano gave frequent recitals as did friend Counter Tenor Nicholas Clapton accompanied by the now famous Fortepianist Gary Cooper.
The concerts continued with the move to Cairness an association being formed with the Music Department of Aberdeen University.
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Marcia Hadjimarkos played our 1802 Broadwood at Gunsgreen House Eyemouth in June 2010
5.5 octaves including the “additional keys” The piano was fitted with a damper pedal an optional extra at the time. This was restored by Aberdeen University Music Department |
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Clementi and Co Square Piano of c1820.
Unusual in having a 6.5 octave compass and originally having the top strings trichord (now removed). One fine day we hope to restore this feature.
David Smith Clementi Square Piano Nick Clapton Countertenor
A Concert at Cairness 1999, Nick sang works by Schubert and Schumann and David played solos from Clementi’s “Art of Playing the Piano” a copy of which was in the music drawer when we acquired the instrument. Was this the original free gift with every purchase? |
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Square piano by Christopher Ganer 1782. The earliest square pianos had a trestle stand
5 octaves 3 hand stops divided dampers and lute. At present not playable but hope to restore in the future |
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Square Piano by Longman and Broderip c1785 This instrument has the more fashionable French stand that was used by most makers until c1805
5 octaves—3 hand stops, divided dampers and buff and 2 pedals, lid swell and una corda, restored by David Leigh from existing evidance |
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Collard and Collard late Clementi Grand Square Piano Forte c1850. 6 octaves with damper pedal.
The piano has metal string plate and extended soundboard resulting in a very powerful sound.
The piano was restored regulated and tuned by Julian Bonia of Norham.
Rena Telfer playing the Collard and Collard at a Concert at Palace Green Pavilion Berwick in June 2011.
Members of Berwick Operatic Society recreated a Victorian Musical entertainment and included such diverse items as a Mendelssohn Song without Words, extracts from Gilbert and Sullivan and “My Old Man said follow the Van” |
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At Castle Hills space is limited and although the Millers have held concerts they have concentrated more on events at local historic venues lending appropriate pianos. The most recent addition to the Castle Hills Collection is a c1850 Collard and Collard Grand Square Piano representing the last developments of the instrument
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