grand piano
J.B. Streicher (company)
built in Vienna in 1874
A so-called “Brahms grand piano,” built by the firm J. B. Streicher und Sohn. Model 230 cm, in walnut veneer. Serial number 7639, built in Vienna, 1874.
History of this instrument
A rare, late-Romantic grand piano was added to the collection in 2021. A significant portion of the grand piano was donated to the Musical Instrument Fund by Frits Janmaat of Maison Erard.
The 2.3-meter-long instrument was built by Johann Baptist Streicher in Vienna in 1874 and is exactly the same model as the grand piano that Emil Streicher (son and successor of Johann Baptist Streicher) lent to Johannes Brahms in 1871 and later donated to him. Brahms used that instrument until his death in 1897. Following several requests from conservatories, the Musical Instrument Fund has placed the grand piano at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. This gives a large group of students access to this historic instrument. The conservatory has indicated that the instrument will play a major role in various master classes, podcast recordings, concerts, and competitions. In 2023, the grand piano underwent extensive restoration.
Photo
of the grand piano: Alex Schröder
About the builder J.B. Streicher (company)
Chopin was a passionate advocate of Pleyel pianos, Liszt of Erard pianos, but Brahms swore by the refined sound of the Viennese Streicher pianos. Three generations had been involved in piano making when Johann Baptist Streicher, owner of...
