Wm. Knabe & Co. Parlour Grand Piano

Serial 59271. Rosewood. Wm. Knabe pianos are handmade, limited production, and created in the finest tradition of over 300 years of piano crafting. Wilhelm Knabe brought his art of cabinetry and piano making from Germany to the United States about 200 yrs ago where he established the Wm. Knabe and Co. in Baltimore, Maryland. A handmade piano is distinguished as having its own soul and personality. The exquisite tonal quality of a Knabe piano has often been described as "the nearest approach to a human singing voice." It was recognized by the greatest pianists and composers, concert halls, and conservatories throughout Europe and America. In 1926, Knabe became the official piano of the New York Metropolitan Opera House. The first owner of this piano was Ben Chancy, Founder of the Orchestral Music Program at Midwood, New York and later Director of Music for the entire New York City Board of Education. He was also awarded the prestigious Handel Award in 1970 by Mayor John V. Lindsay. It was brought to the Phils 3 yrs ago from the US by its second owner. It has not been restored and is in its original good condition. The parlour grand is the smallest of concert grand pianos with the concert grand being the ultimate of pianos.