CONRAD GRAF 1835

Fortepiano by Conrad Graf (1835) restored by Edwin Beunk

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This original fortepiano by Conrad Graf, built in 1835, is a truly Romantic instrument. Playing its lush and dark wooden sound, certain compositions by Schumann and Chopin come to mind very clearly. It is made of cherry wood, rather than the more common walnut or mahogany instruments. Its range is 6.5 octaves (CC-G) and it has four pedals: the damper, una corda, moderator and double moderator. The bass register is deep without being too thick and the tone-altering pedals magically change the fundamental piano sound, adding extra layers of colour and expressivity. Although it was constructed in the mid 19th century, this fortepiano is also very well suited to later Romantic repertoire.