The man on the left is Anton Walter. He made Mozart's piano. I have seen several portraits of old Anton, and he looks the same in each and every one of them - a little tormented. I blame this look on what would have been his constant search for perfection in his chosen craft - instrument building, or to be more precise piano making.
If you look at the portraits of most of the early fortepiano makers they look the same - mostly unhappy. Imagine having to attend to Mr Beethoven's insane tirades over how bad the piano you have made him is, how easily he destroys it with vigorous play, why is it you cannot make something stronger, louder, give me more notes to work with..... put up with that long enough and you to will look like Anton.
I suspect the main contributing factor to Antons gloomy look would be in his own pursuit of perfection. His instruments are renowned for being the best in his day, used by all the best musicians, but did he ever feel he attained the perfect level ever strived for?
I restore pianos. My clients are always very happy with the result. But I am always left feeling I could have made their pianos even better had they given me more time. But then when I have more time I still feel the outcome could have been better if......
I look in the mirror and am starting to see Anton.
I aim to write about my daily frustrations and elation's here in my blog. Read it if you want, tell your friends if it is good. If you want to visit my website look here www.shacklefordpianos.com
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