Music Trade Review
Issue: 1907 Vol. 45 N. 5 - Page 9
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
execute the work layers of white metal or brass
and shell are placed together, then the pattern
Studying the Old—What Colbert Achieved—The is sawed out, after which they are separated and
arranged into decorative panels.
Work of the Louis Period—The More Modern
"The engravers then soften the harsh metal
Productions—Steinway & Sons Labors in the
edges
by delicate shading, and therein lies great
Domain of Polite Arts.
possibility for the most artistic effect. Nothing
In the current issue of the Steinway Bulletin can delight the cultivated eye more than a piece
there is a very interesting article on "The Fine of Boulle—in the purity of perfection it is equal
Arts As Applied to Piano Case Decoration," which to the finest specimens of the jeweler's art.
"On this exquisite background are placed
reads: "If nothing is new, then what more de-
lightful matter than the study of the old. It is mounts of ormolu or gilded brass. These rich
adornments are the finest product of the sculp-
tor's skill, each piece is worked out with infinite
pains, as though it were to stand alone. Run-
ning borders of acanthus leaves in brass soften
the edges of this thoroughly artistic case, which
is a faithful copy of a great artist's conception.
"We will now leave the company .of the great
Boulle and the many priceless gems of his
ateliers, and accustom our eyes to behold the
most marvelous beauties of the luxurious time
cf Louis XV. Splendid was this time and spec-
tacular. Sweet luxury was the desire of those
who held high place, and if licentiousness held
sway the lives of these people were not utterly
frivolous when they co-operated with workers
and stimulated the arts and crafts through their
patronage. All, however, is due to the artists of
this period who executed and evolved a style
wliich is entirely French. Metal mounts that
were introduced by Boulle are now the favored
adornment of almost every piece of furniture.
The perfection of this metal work is associated
I'.OUILLE UPRIGHT IN TORTOISE SHELL AND METAL INLAY.
the study of a man, as Pope says, and man's with such masters as Cafferi and Gouthiere. It
most interesting research. Far from being a was this artist who was the inventor of the dead
bore, quite the contrary, it is a positive pleasure gold finish on metal which has ever since added
if we can claim nothing more than a bowing ac- refinement to gilded bronze. The time was at
quaintance with these men of genius, these great the height of productiveness and inspired geniijs
artists of the Renaissance who have refused to die
in that their life was spent in creating not only the
art of the nation, but the art of to-day, and the
art of the future!
"To enter into this garden of the fine arts and
not to call by name these beautiful flowers that
men have lovingly transplanted in our own coun-
try is to miss half the joy that art can give.
"One must go to high sources in looking for
the reason for the decorative styles. In this
case to one so high as Colbert, Prime Minister to
Louis XIV. It was the master's practicality
which caused the assembling of the artists and
furniture-makers of the day under the Royal
Academy of Painting, Architecture and Sculpture.
This classification of furniture with the fine arts
PAINTED TOP FOR A MODERN HARPSICHORD PIANO.
was the means of making it one of them, as it
comes
forth in one named Martin, who discovers
enlisted all the others in bringing it to per-
a
lacquer
of wonderful beauty. Vernis Martin
fection. At this time the royal eye rested on one
Charles Andre Boulle, who was removed from the it is called, and the art is preserved to this day.
"Watteau himself painted for the Martins, his
world of distraction at the King's pleasure and
given an apartment at Louvre, where he might enchanting scenes showing the esteem in which
develop his wonderful talent uninterrupted. the lacquer was held.
"Exquisite pieces of Vernis Martin can be seen
at the studios. Large surfaces covered with
green of a shade most restful and powdered with
gold. It is an ideal background for the dainty
paintings of Watteau and Boucher and also has
charm enough to need but slight embellishment.
"Each art piano is a perfect composition care-
fully proportioned to the place it is to fill. All
artists and craftsmen work in unison to com-
plete one thought—no daintier conception can be
realized, and perfect harmony is the result. An
examination of examples in the Steinway Studios
will reveal the beauty and perfection of these
masterpieces and the ipurity of their style. The
musical excellence and tonal qualities of the
Steinway pianos are unquestioned and world-
renowned, and since the day of their perfection
have held first place among the treasured pos-
sessions of kings.
"The art department is thoroughly equipped
to carry out the designs of architects and con-
noisseurs of art in special period styles, having
MAHOGANY PIANO WITH GOLD MOUNTS AND VERTICAL VENEER
the best designers, craftsmen and decorative
CROTCH MAHOGANY ABOUT THE BORDER OF KIM.
artists always at their command, guaranteeing
This special work associated with the name of and preserving the most superior results as to
Boulle is rich and costly, inlay of tortoise shell tone and effect. Advice and suggestions gladly
given, together with designs and estimates, by
and metal on hardwood.
"The designs for Boulle inlay are drawn by addressing J. Burr Tiffany, director of the art
artists in free Renaissance floriated scrolls. To department of Messrs. Steinway & Sons."
PIANO CASE DECORATION.
»IIS XVI.
SomeTrade"Straws"
Here are some excerpts taken at random
from the many letters which we have re-
ceived from dealers, tuners and salesmen
who enthusiastically endorse "Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building."
Here is what the Phillips & Crew Co.,
Savannah, Ga., one of the leading firms in the
South, say regarding "Theory and Practice of
Pianoforte Building":
"We beg to hand you herewith our check
for $2 to cover cost of one copy of "Theory
and Practice of Pianoforte Building," which
has been received with thanks. The book is all
that you claim it to be and should find a ready
place with all those connected with the trade.
With our very best wishes, we beg to remain,"
etc.
George Rose, of the great English house
of Broadwood & Sons, and one of the lead-
ing piano makers of Europe, writes:
"I have perused the book with much pleas-
ure, and 'Theory and Practice of Pianoforte
Building' should be in the hands of every prac-
tical and interested man in the trade."
H. A. Brueggemann, a dealer in Fort
Wayne, Ind., writes: "I have one of your
books, 'Theory and Practice of Pianoforte
Building,' and will say that it is just the kind
of a book I have been looking for for many
years. I have been tuning pianos for fourteen
years, and from studying the book, 'Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building,' I have
learned something that I never knew before."
John G. Erck, for many years manager of
the Mathushek & Son retail piano business,
and now manager of the piano department of
a big store in Cleveland, writes: "You cer-
tainly deserve strong commendation, for your
latest effort, 'Theory and Practice of Piano-
forte Building' is a book written in such an
instructive and concise form that certainly no
piano player or piano professional enthusiast
should lack it in his or her library. It gives
to the salesman the highest knowledge of in-
struments and is invaluable."
Henry Keeler, of Grafton, W. Va., says: "I
most heartily congratulate you for launching
such a worthy book. I consider it the best
work ever written upon the subject, and I
hope that its ready sale will cause the reprint
of many editions."
George A. Witney, head of the Brockport
Piano Mfg. Co., himself being a scale draughts-
man of national repute, writes: " 'Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building' is a valuable
book for those interested in piano construc-
tion."
Every man, whether manufacturer,
scale draughtsman,superintendent,
dealer, or salesman, should own
a copy of the first work of its kind
in the English language.
The price for single copies, delivered to
any part of the United States, Canada
and Mexico is $2. All other countries,
on account of increased postage, $2.20.
If the book is not desired after examination, money
will be refunded.
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Publisher
1 MADISON AVE., NEW YORK CITY
THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
execute the work layers of white metal or brass
and shell are placed together, then the pattern
Studying the Old—What Colbert Achieved—The is sawed out, after which they are separated and
arranged into decorative panels.
Work of the Louis Period—The More Modern
"The engravers then soften the harsh metal
Productions—Steinway & Sons Labors in the
edges
by delicate shading, and therein lies great
Domain of Polite Arts.
possibility for the most artistic effect. Nothing
In the current issue of the Steinway Bulletin can delight the cultivated eye more than a piece
there is a very interesting article on "The Fine of Boulle—in the purity of perfection it is equal
Arts As Applied to Piano Case Decoration," which to the finest specimens of the jeweler's art.
"On this exquisite background are placed
reads: "If nothing is new, then what more de-
lightful matter than the study of the old. It is mounts of ormolu or gilded brass. These rich
adornments are the finest product of the sculp-
tor's skill, each piece is worked out with infinite
pains, as though it were to stand alone. Run-
ning borders of acanthus leaves in brass soften
the edges of this thoroughly artistic case, which
is a faithful copy of a great artist's conception.
"We will now leave the company .of the great
Boulle and the many priceless gems of his
ateliers, and accustom our eyes to behold the
most marvelous beauties of the luxurious time
cf Louis XV. Splendid was this time and spec-
tacular. Sweet luxury was the desire of those
who held high place, and if licentiousness held
sway the lives of these people were not utterly
frivolous when they co-operated with workers
and stimulated the arts and crafts through their
patronage. All, however, is due to the artists of
this period who executed and evolved a style
wliich is entirely French. Metal mounts that
were introduced by Boulle are now the favored
adornment of almost every piece of furniture.
The perfection of this metal work is associated
I'.OUILLE UPRIGHT IN TORTOISE SHELL AND METAL INLAY.
the study of a man, as Pope says, and man's with such masters as Cafferi and Gouthiere. It
most interesting research. Far from being a was this artist who was the inventor of the dead
bore, quite the contrary, it is a positive pleasure gold finish on metal which has ever since added
if we can claim nothing more than a bowing ac- refinement to gilded bronze. The time was at
quaintance with these men of genius, these great the height of productiveness and inspired geniijs
artists of the Renaissance who have refused to die
in that their life was spent in creating not only the
art of the nation, but the art of to-day, and the
art of the future!
"To enter into this garden of the fine arts and
not to call by name these beautiful flowers that
men have lovingly transplanted in our own coun-
try is to miss half the joy that art can give.
"One must go to high sources in looking for
the reason for the decorative styles. In this
case to one so high as Colbert, Prime Minister to
Louis XIV. It was the master's practicality
which caused the assembling of the artists and
furniture-makers of the day under the Royal
Academy of Painting, Architecture and Sculpture.
This classification of furniture with the fine arts
PAINTED TOP FOR A MODERN HARPSICHORD PIANO.
was the means of making it one of them, as it
comes
forth in one named Martin, who discovers
enlisted all the others in bringing it to per-
a
lacquer
of wonderful beauty. Vernis Martin
fection. At this time the royal eye rested on one
Charles Andre Boulle, who was removed from the it is called, and the art is preserved to this day.
"Watteau himself painted for the Martins, his
world of distraction at the King's pleasure and
given an apartment at Louvre, where he might enchanting scenes showing the esteem in which
develop his wonderful talent uninterrupted. the lacquer was held.
"Exquisite pieces of Vernis Martin can be seen
at the studios. Large surfaces covered with
green of a shade most restful and powdered with
gold. It is an ideal background for the dainty
paintings of Watteau and Boucher and also has
charm enough to need but slight embellishment.
"Each art piano is a perfect composition care-
fully proportioned to the place it is to fill. All
artists and craftsmen work in unison to com-
plete one thought—no daintier conception can be
realized, and perfect harmony is the result. An
examination of examples in the Steinway Studios
will reveal the beauty and perfection of these
masterpieces and the ipurity of their style. The
musical excellence and tonal qualities of the
Steinway pianos are unquestioned and world-
renowned, and since the day of their perfection
have held first place among the treasured pos-
sessions of kings.
"The art department is thoroughly equipped
to carry out the designs of architects and con-
noisseurs of art in special period styles, having
MAHOGANY PIANO WITH GOLD MOUNTS AND VERTICAL VENEER
the best designers, craftsmen and decorative
CROTCH MAHOGANY ABOUT THE BORDER OF KIM.
artists always at their command, guaranteeing
This special work associated with the name of and preserving the most superior results as to
Boulle is rich and costly, inlay of tortoise shell tone and effect. Advice and suggestions gladly
given, together with designs and estimates, by
and metal on hardwood.
"The designs for Boulle inlay are drawn by addressing J. Burr Tiffany, director of the art
artists in free Renaissance floriated scrolls. To department of Messrs. Steinway & Sons."
PIANO CASE DECORATION.
»IIS XVI.
SomeTrade"Straws"
Here are some excerpts taken at random
from the many letters which we have re-
ceived from dealers, tuners and salesmen
who enthusiastically endorse "Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building."
Here is what the Phillips & Crew Co.,
Savannah, Ga., one of the leading firms in the
South, say regarding "Theory and Practice of
Pianoforte Building":
"We beg to hand you herewith our check
for $2 to cover cost of one copy of "Theory
and Practice of Pianoforte Building," which
has been received with thanks. The book is all
that you claim it to be and should find a ready
place with all those connected with the trade.
With our very best wishes, we beg to remain,"
etc.
George Rose, of the great English house
of Broadwood & Sons, and one of the lead-
ing piano makers of Europe, writes:
"I have perused the book with much pleas-
ure, and 'Theory and Practice of Pianoforte
Building' should be in the hands of every prac-
tical and interested man in the trade."
H. A. Brueggemann, a dealer in Fort
Wayne, Ind., writes: "I have one of your
books, 'Theory and Practice of Pianoforte
Building,' and will say that it is just the kind
of a book I have been looking for for many
years. I have been tuning pianos for fourteen
years, and from studying the book, 'Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building,' I have
learned something that I never knew before."
John G. Erck, for many years manager of
the Mathushek & Son retail piano business,
and now manager of the piano department of
a big store in Cleveland, writes: "You cer-
tainly deserve strong commendation, for your
latest effort, 'Theory and Practice of Piano-
forte Building' is a book written in such an
instructive and concise form that certainly no
piano player or piano professional enthusiast
should lack it in his or her library. It gives
to the salesman the highest knowledge of in-
struments and is invaluable."
Henry Keeler, of Grafton, W. Va., says: "I
most heartily congratulate you for launching
such a worthy book. I consider it the best
work ever written upon the subject, and I
hope that its ready sale will cause the reprint
of many editions."
George A. Witney, head of the Brockport
Piano Mfg. Co., himself being a scale draughts-
man of national repute, writes: " 'Theory and
Practice of Pianoforte Building' is a valuable
book for those interested in piano construc-
tion."
Every man, whether manufacturer,
scale draughtsman,superintendent,
dealer, or salesman, should own
a copy of the first work of its kind
in the English language.
The price for single copies, delivered to
any part of the United States, Canada
and Mexico is $2. All other countries,
on account of increased postage, $2.20.
If the book is not desired after examination, money
will be refunded.
EDWARD LYMAN BILL, Publisher
1 MADISON AVE., NEW YORK CITY
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).