D. Langenscheid square piano, Ghent, 1835

After Brussels, Ghent stood out as the second most important city of piano building in Belgium. Langenscheid produced instruments in 1835 and 1836 from which two instruments remain to proof his skills. Despite all of this he went through a difficult period because the ‘Gazette van Ghent’ informs us of his suicide on December 17 1836. After his death his widow held a public sale of his  workshop with 6 finished instruments. The exhibited instrument is in complete original condition and was part of the household effects of the family Mahy from Ghent, famous for their collection of antique cars. 

 

Technical data:

• Inscription: D. LANGENSCHEIDT Facteur de Pianos GAND Quai aux Récolletes N° 10
• Compass: 6 octaves (FF-f'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
• Pedals: 3 : celeste - split dampers
• Dimensions: W 171 cm / D 73 cm
• Case: speckled mahogany
• Literature: VANDERVELLEN, P. "Le pianoforte dans les provinces belges (1761-1851)"
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 66 203
• Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels