Often when I have clients with a rare piano, I show them the history of the instrument. A good percent changed their minds and decide to keep it. Especially if there is some perceived value. A long shot, but it's paid off a few times. Here are my notes in F. Ehrbar, maybe they will decide to keep it or have it restored.
Ehrbar
1829- Friedrich Ehrbar's parents and sister died when he was 2 years old from a cholera epidemic.
1841-As an orphan his natural talent for music and mechanical ability caught the attention of organ builder Frederici.
1848- After serving a seven year apprenticeship, he then decides to move to Vienna, then the leading capital of piano making. While Ehrbar was in Vienna he meets Henry Steinway, forming a lasting friendship. He secures employment with Eduard Seuffert.
1854- Sueffert was so impressed with Ehrbar, that he gave him the task of building six pianos for the 1855 Munich Exposition. All six pianos sold and Ehrbar even received a gold medal.
1855- Seuffert dies. Ehrbar marries his widow Rosa, and acquires the business 2 years later in 1857.
1862- First prize in London
1867- First prize in Paris
1873- The Emperor of Austria awarded Ehrbar the title of "Purveyor of the Court". Ehrbar was also one of the first Vienna makers to use a full Iron frame in all of his pianos.
1877- The Concert Hall Palais Ehrbar is built.
1898- Ehrbar retires, hands the business over to his son Frederich Benedict Ernst Ehrbar (jr.).
1905- Ehrbar dies in his country home at 78 years old.
-chris
#caveman
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A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.
chernobieffpiano.com
865-986-7720
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2018 09:46
From: Peter Grey
Subject: What to do with an old Friedrich Ehrbar
First off, I see a strong resemblance to Bechstein in construction. Probably was a seriously good piano.
Perhaps some wealthy and generous person in town could be persuaded (by the school) to foot the bill for restoration and then they would really have something (not at taxpayers expense). Or it could be donated to a local museum or recital hall if there is one.
Is there any history attached to it in the town/city?
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2018 05:52
From: James Kelly
Subject: What to do with an old Friedrich Ehrbar
There has to be someplace the instrument can be studied, put on display, refurbished and no longer used as a table. I would contact
Bill Shull or even PTG Home Office. There are also a number of collections around the country that may have interest. It is another piece of piano history...
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James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2018 23:45
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: What to do with an old Friedrich Ehrbar
I would tell them not to throw it away. It's a unique antique worth saving. Tell them to donate it to a museum where it belongs. Just my thoughts, maybe someone a little more hardened will have a different opinion.
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Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2018 22:35
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: What to do with an old Friedrich Ehrbar
I recently acquired a small school district as a customer. 24 pianos, once a year. Mostly PSO's but what can you do? In the band room of the high school is a beautiful Friedrich Ehrbar from the late 1870's that is currently being used as a table to store stuff on. Strings are rusty and popping so nobody has even tried to play it since it was donated to the school a couple of years ago. They want to get rid of it but don't know what to do with it.
See pics --
I understand that in spite of its beauty, and its unique action, that it may not have ever been considered anything special and that they made mass quantities of them. Just the same...
Today's question: what would you do if you found this piano?
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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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