Fortepiano

Fortepiano 2, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I went to a wonderful concert in an art gallery. On the programme were three piano trios by Haydn, played on historic instruments (Ellie Nimeroski: baroque violin, Amanda Keesmaat: baroque cello and Tim Beghin: pianoforte), so the music sounded as it would have in Haydn's time. This is the pianoforte. The pianoforte is an early piano, only 5 octaves and no sustain pedal. The hammers are lighter so the sound is clearer and brighter. This one is made in the style of a Walter pianoforte, which is one of the pianos Mozart owned. If you want to learn more about it, go to The History of Mozart in a Dozen Objects and scroll down to Prog. 4.

Here's another view of the instrument.