Lot number 2716 - Auction 155
HOCHBEDEUTENDES UND ÜBERAUS SELTENES MUSEALES TAFELKLAVIER 'MATTHIAS CHRISTIAN BAUMANN'

IMPORTANT AND EXTREMELY RARE MUSEUM-QUALITY TABLE PIANO BY 'MATTHIAS CHRISTIAN BAUMANN' Zweibrücken, probably 1774 Walnut, mahogany, 63 keys made of ebonized wood and cow bone overlay. H. 76, W. 170 cm, D. 62 cm. Signature on the soundboard no longer present. Rectangular body with rounded sides, on four octagonal, removable baluster legs, on casters, hinged, fortepiano, rectangular shape reminiscent of a table. Exceptionally rare and immensely historic table piano from the workshop of the famous Palatinate piano maker Christian Baumann (1740-1818). According to dendrochronological analysis, this instrument dates from 1774, a key period in the development of the fortepiano. Baumann's works are known for their precise craftsmanship and unique sound character. Matthias Christian Baumann was an important German piano and organ builder of the 18th century. He was born on April 29, 1740, in Annweiler in the Palatinate and died on January 19, 1816, in Zweibrücken. Baumann came from a Palatinate organ-building family and learned the craft in his father's workshop. In 1766, he was granted citizenship in Zweibrücken, where he later held the title of court organ builder to the Palatinate-Zweibrücken and also worked in Nuremberg. His work focused on table pianos (fortepianos). Baumann's instruments were already highly regarded during his lifetime, and their reputation extended to the Mozart family. It is documented that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played at least two of his table pianos. In a letter from 1782, Mozart even asked his father Leopold to order an instrument from Baumann in Zweibrücken. The provenance (according to the consignor) of the instrument is equally fascinating: It was acquired in 1986 in Strasbourg from the home of the influential banker and Freemason Franck, where it had been stored in the attic for a long time. Archive research in Strasbourg confirms that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was staying with his friend Franck in Strasbourg during the time the instrument was in Franck's possession. This close connection to Mozart's personal circle during a crucial creative phase gives this instrument historical value and makes it a potential collector's item for enthusiasts and institutions dedicated to the history of Mozart and 18th-century keyboard instruments. Several clearly identifiable organological features that allow for a clear attribution to Christian Baumann are worth highlighting: Unlike contemporary instruments, this fortepiano does not have knee levers, but instead has two separate hand levers for damping, one on the left and one on the right of the keyboard. The damper fork is positioned between the keys h and c¹, a feature found exclusively in Baumann instruments. Another characteristic feature is the unique shape of the sound hole, which differs significantly from other 18th-century South and Central German instrument makers. The action follows the South German spring action, but features a design detail typical of Baumann: two screw-in threaded pins, each fitted with a wooden cap, as documented in the specialist literature (cf. Beurmann, No. 106). Only eight instruments by this master are known to exist worldwide. Seven of them are now in public collections and museums: 1775 Salzburg, 1776 Knoxville Tennessee, 1775 Bernard Brauchli, 1777 Beurmann Collection, 1778 around Beurmann Collection, 1780 Sweelink Museum Amsterdam, 1782 in Zweibrücken, 1783 Paris Daniel Piollet Collection. The piano offered here is the only one still in private ownership. Its authenticity has been confirmed by renowned expert Graham Wells (formerly of Sotheby's/Christie's). The dendrochronological report by Dr. Micha Beuting confirms the date of 1774. In addition, there is written confirmation from Christian Baumann's descendant, Pastor Dr. Bernhard Bonkhoff. Rest. , untuned, refurbished, partially intact, minimal woodworm damage (inactive). Literature: See Beurmann: No. 106 in "Das Buch vom Klavier: die Sammlung Beurmann im Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg" (The Book of the Piano: The Beurmann Collection at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Hamburg), 2007, p. 40. Expertise: Graham Wells, London, 2018 - Dendrochronological report by Dr. Beuting, Hamburg, 2013 - Confirmation by Pastor Dr. Bonkhoff, descendant of piano maker Christian Baumann. Provenance: According to the consignor, formerly owned by the family of Strasbourg banker and Freemason Franck, friend and patron of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.