[CAUT] Fortepiano for University

[Jim Busby]

Hi Dave,

I'd love to have someone else do the work, but even in the situation below where the artist was also a fine technician, he wanted me to do it. Maybe it's my gray hair... <G>

Best,
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Doremus
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 10:47 AM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Fortepiano for University

  I semi agree, if you have someone nearby or on staff who has the 
knowledge and willingness to do it, they can be kept in very good 
condition now matter how finicky. Usually makers will be happy to 
provide training, advice, parts and even regular visits if necessary. 
It's to their benefit as well to have the instruments present themselves 
as best they can. It is a big commitment from the institution and needs 
to be there before the decision is made to buy.

--Dave
Tulane
New Orleans

On 8/31/10 9:46 AM, Jim Busby wrote:
>
> Ed,
>
> I agree, and we have such a person here at BYU. Nobody plays our 4 
> harpsichords and various "historical" instruments w/o his OK. This 
> makes it easier on us as piano techs. No one can randomly request an 
> instrument without his signature. We maintain them, however, and he 
> keeps us apprised of use and needs. Before his help it was a 
> "will-nilly-whomever-wanted-something-on-a-whim" situation.
>
> My only experience with a fortepiano was a recording session with some 
> a duo from Boston. I was on-call and about every 15-30 minutes they 
> would have me touch-up notes. The fellow tunes, but wanted me to tune 
> it because he said tuning it took him away from the mood, or something 
> like that, and he didn't want to deal with it. I was there 8 hours, 
> until very late. So... after this experience I REALLY think you have a 
> great point; the instrument should have a benefactor of sorts.
>
> Jim Busby
>
> *From:* caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] *On Behalf 
> Of *Ed Sutton
> *Sent:* Tuesday, August 31, 2010 7:49 AM
> *To:* caut at ptg.org
> *Subject:* Re: [CAUT] Fortepiano for University
>
> My impression is that the finest harpsichords and fortepianos need a 
> personal owner/protector, who uses them regularly, understands what 
> the instrument is meant to do, and makes sure regulation is up-to-date.
>
> (I can tell a very sad story of a fine, historic replica French double 
> which was ruined by institutional treatment. A Zuckerbox and Challis 
> harpsichords were tough enough to hang in there in the situation.)
>
> A less-than-ultimate instrument may make a better stable horse, 
> capable of surviving without a personal advocate.
>
> Perhaps someone with more experience than me can comment on this 
> relative to fortepianos. It seems to me pointless to buy a fine and 
> delicate instrument if no one is there to understand and use it fully.
>
> Ed Sutton
>
>
>     _______________
>
>             On Fri, Aug 27, 2010 at 11:57 AM, Ed Foote <a440a at aol.com
>             <mailto:a440a at aol.com>> wrote:
>
>             Greetings,
>             The school is considering acquiring a new fortepiano or a
>             pianoforte. The first question is which era, as they are
>             not homogenized like pianos. Another question is style of
>             action, and yet another question is durability, I don't
>             want to get a prima donna instrument that gets weird every
>             time it is moved.
>             I also don't want to re-invent the wheel, so was hoping
>             that other Cauts that deal with the 18th century in an
>             academic environment would offer a suggestion or two.
>             Thanks,
>
>             Ed Foote RPT
>             http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
>

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