A unique restoration project

A unique restoration project


DISCOVERY OF AN INSTRUMENT

Nine years ago instrument builder and restoration expert Sietse Kok acquired a pianoforte and discovered, while preparing and planning for a restoration, that he had in his hands a signed and precisely dated original instrument by the Viennese pianoforte builders Geschwister Stein. The original instrument, dated February 2, 1802, has a keyboard range of five and half octaves, from FF to c’’’’.

A UNIQUE RESTORATION PROJECT

In the years following, a unique restoration project took place.

After close examination and an in-depth study of the instrument, the original was set aside. A replica was built based on the theoretical bases which were solely obtained from examination of the original instrument. The restoration of the 1802 instrument took place only once the replica was finalized.

THE OLD AND THE NEW

The many discoveries made during the restoration and the magnificent sound quality of the restored original instrument from 1802 and its replica have increased the scope of the initial project. Both instruments are now regularly being played in concerts.