The History of the Pianoforte: A Documentary in Sound

"Sometimes a document appears which crystallizes the knowledge of a subject in an unprecedented way. This video-documentary does just that. It is a splendid achievement and an invaluable resource." —Piano & KeyboardFor the first time, music lovers can see and hear instruments representing three centuries of piano building—all on a single video. From the oldest surviving piano, an instrument of 1720 built by Cristofori (the inventor of the pianoforte), to a Bösendorfer computer grand (which allows a friendly technician to correct the pianist's errors), the entire family lineage is here. Virtuosos perform on more than 30 instruments (from eight museums and several private collections), featuring music contemporary with the instruments. Available in VHS format only.