The article highlights the work of the piano maker C. J. F. Wirth (1800–1882), specifies the time of his activity in St. Petersburg (1828–1854) and reasons why his grand pianos have earned approval of C. Wieck, R. Schumann and other famous musicians, making him one of the most popular piano makers in 19th century in Russia. New sources revealed by the author enrich a few details about C. Wirth’s professional and commercial activities. C. Wirth’s grands facilitated transition from the Viennese grands to English grands for pianists and served as a link between the Viennese, London and Parisian piano schools. Description of specifics of his grands, features of artisanal craftwork of the second half of the 19th century facilitate identification, attribution and ensuring historical restoration and safety of the domestic pianos of this period which are stored in the museums, musical institutions and by private persons.
Abstract