The Moravian Historical Society in the Morning Call Newspaper, 1984 to today

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NAZARETH COLLECTORS FIND PIANOFORTE WITH LOCAL TIES

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa. Author: LORNA WEIL, The Morning Call

Copyright Morning Call Oct 6, 1986

A desire to keep a handcrafted, 18th-century instrument in the "Moravian family" has led to the acquisition of a rare pianoforte by the Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth.

While browsing through a collection of antiques in New York City about a year ago, attorney Walter L. Peters and his wife, Margaret, of Nazareth were "pleasantly" surprised to come across a beautifully built instrument with the name of the maker - Philip Bachmann.

Made of mahogany, with pine as the secondary wood, the Hepplewhite pianoforte was constructed in Lititz between 1795-1800.

The pianoforte, more commonly known today as a piano, was developed during the latter part of the 18th century as an instrument that could be played softly and loudly. Its predecessors, the harpsichord and clavichord, could be played at only one dynamic level.

The Bachmann pianoforte features a rectangular-boxed case, which houses the musical works and an ivory and ebony keyboard, which remains intact. It is supported by four square tapering legs in brass- cuffed castors, joined by cross stretchers. The medial stretcher accommodates a pair of foot pedals. A rich panel of figured maple surrounded by an intricate band of variegated inlay displays a black painted oval declaring the maker's name, location and order No. 24.

Considerable research into books and periodicals verified Peters' initial instincts - that this pianoforte and its maker had a local connection.

Johann Philip Bachmann, born in Kreuzburg, Thuringia, Germany, in 1762, came to Lititz in 1793 to work with David Tannenberg, recognized as one of the greatest Moravian organ builders of his time. Tannenberg had sought permission from the Moravian Church in Bethlehem to send to Herrnhut for someone who could learn his profession. He suggested the officials should be "even more concerned than he that his art not be lost to the community."

Two months after Bachmann arrived in Lititz, he was married to Tannenberg's youngest daughter, Anna Maria, who was born in Nazareth in 1756. Bachmann had learned carpentry from his father, Sebastian, and the manufacture of musical instruments in Herrnhut.

During the last decade of the 18th century, Bachmann assisted Tannenberg in his large volume of organ work. Because of Tannenberg's advanced age by that time, Bachmann did most of the traveling to churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina to install or repair organs.

Following a breach between the two partners, Bachmann was given permission to set up his own business in Lititz. His first organ after leaving Tannenberg was for the Schoeneck Moravian Congregation above Nazareth. Records indicate he made at least seven organs between 1803-19. After that he reportedly turned to fine cabinet work and the building of pianos.

Tannenberg, who lived in Bethlehem and Nazareth before going to Lititz, died in 1804. Bachmann, who married Susanna Albright, Lititz, in 1800 following the death of his first wife, died Nov. 15, 1837.

Peters, who negotiated purchase of the pianoforte with Bernard and S. Dean Levy Inc. of New York City, said, "We were fortunate to find such an unusual Moravian musical instrument." The purchase price was not disclosed. It is believed that it had been in a private home for some time before the antique dealer acquired it.

Although the cabinet is "in excellent condition," Peters said, some restoration work will be required to put it in working order. Efforts are being made now to locate someone to do this type of work. After its restoration, the pianoforte will be taken to the Whitefield Museum of the Moravian Historical Society.

"When it goes to the museum, we would like to set apart a room devoted to musical instruments to show the culture and contribution of Moravian composers and instrument makers to Moravian music," Peters said.

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