1855

1876

Medals in 1876, K. S. Hof-Pianoforte-Fabrik von Julius Blüthner in Leipzig, by Oscar Laffert, 1876

"

1878

"PRIZE MEDAL AT THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION, PHILADELPHIA, 1876.

THE ALIQUOT PIANO OF JULIUS BLÜTHNER, ROYAL COURT PIANOFORTE FACTORY OF SAXONY, AT LEIPSIC. SOLE AGENT FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE COLONIES, W. H. HANSON, 28, BAKER STREET, PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON.

TESΤΙΜΟΝΙALS.

CAPELLMEISTER CARL REINECKE. - It affords the DRESDEN JOURNAL (Concert given by Mdlle. undersigned great pleasure to certify to Herr Councillor Julius Blüthner that his newly-constructed pianoforte-the so-called "Aliquot Piano"-satisfies the very highest requirements of the pianist. By the aid of the co-vibrating strings, forming the aliquot attachment, many novel charming effects are produced, and its tones are so resonant, farreaching and powerful, at the same time so refined and delicate, that it is equally adapted to the largest concert-hall and to the drawing-room. CARL REINECKE.

SCIENTIFIC SUPPLEMENT OF THE LEIPZIGER ZEITUNG.-Julius Blüthner's pianofortes maintain the first position in the world, and, through their exceptional beauty of tone, solidity, and superiority of touch, they have commanded the undivided recognition of judges and artists. In the newly invented "Aliquot Pianoforte," the arrangement of the scale is novel, and based upon those recent discoveries in acoustics which have special reference to harmonic overtones. The advantages resulting from this new system are very great, and must add greatly to the renown of Herr Blüthner's instruments. Professor Dr. OSCAR PAUL.

ANNETTE ESSIPOFF.-When I last played in public at Leipzig I used one of Blüthner's new Aliquot Pianofortes, and I am impelled to express my admiration of their noble and enchanting tone, as well as of their light and agreeable touch. I sincerely wish them the success they deserve.

MARIE KREBS (Royal Saxon Kammervirtuosen). -Dresden, October 26th, 1876.-Dear Herr Blüthner, I must really tell you how delighted I am with the beautiful Aliquot Pianoforte of your manufacture, which I played upon with genuine pleasure at Riga, at my three concerts there.

THEODOR LESCHETIZKY (Professor of Pianoforte Playing at the St. Petersburg Conservatoire). During my stay at Leipzig in 1876, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the new Aliquot Pianos of the celebrated firm of Messrs. Julius Blüthner. Their powerful resonant tone, no less than their easy and adaptable touch, must be equally satisfactory to the artist and to the listener. These Aliquot Pianos are most certainly an important step in advance in the art of pianoforte manufacture, and I believe I may with safety predict for them unparalleled success.

DR. POLKO.-Munich, February 27th, 1877.-The construction of Blüthner's Aliquot Pianos adds another success to the list of excellencies produced at his factory. These instruments are remarkable for their melodious tone and capacity for modulation. The adaptability of the tone to sostenuto passages is such, that to every musically and technically endowed player, an abundance of the most beautiful effects is insured, including many which until now have been impossible of production upon the pianoforte.

Professor Dr. von SCHAFHAEUTEL (Pellisov), in Munich, writes, after an explanation of the technical application of the Aliquot system:-"The simultaneously co-vibrating octave string gives rise to aliquot tones of the second order, which, after blending with simultaneously appearing overtones in the second order, and with lower combination tones, then separate themselves, and at last implicating a second, quart, quint, sext in the chord above, resolve once more into the ground chord. So arises, during the swelling and subsiding of sustained chords, a web of sound, which in its kaleidoscopic changes reminds the hearer of an Æolian harp. The instrument is most perfectly constructed. I consider that the Blüthner Aliquot Piano is a most welcome acquisition to bona fide pianoforte playing."

CORNELIA. - The Blüthner Aliquot Piano might almost be said to exercise a magical power. It is not surprising to find that the instrument meets with universal recognition, it having also obtained a Prize at the Philadelphia Exhibition.

DRESDEN ADVERTISER. - The Blüthner Aliquot Piano is a most superior instrument of unusual richness of tone and great adaptability.

DRESDEN JOURNAL. (Concert given by Mdlle. Marie Krebs). - A Blüthner Aliquot Piano supported the artist's performance to an extraordinary degree by its beauty and power of tone, the tenor and bass producing quite unusual effects. - C. BANCK.

CARLOTTA PATTI.-The Pianos of Herr Blüthner's manufacture have a magnificent tone and mechanism, and it may be affirmed that they are of the very first order of merit.

SILESIAN NEWSPAPER (First Subscription Concert of the Orchestral Union at Breslau). -The instrument used by Mdlle. Vera Timanoff caused general remark by its unusual fulness of tone. It is one lately patented as Blüthner's Aliquot Piano. The invention is much approved, as it produces a power in the sound not hitherto attained by the instruments of the greatest firms. - MAX KALBECK.

TO HERR COUNCILLOR BLUTHNER. Sir, it is not alone the power and fulness of tone and the exceedingly quick repetition mechanism which I find so satisfactory in your pianos; they possess a peculiar sweetness of sound which I have not, to my knowledge, previously heard in any instrument. - RAFAEL JOSEFFY.

KOLNISCHE ZEITUNG (First Gurzenich Concert), Professor J. Seiss. It is a fact, that Blüthner has really attained what he set forth in his system. The tone is brighter and more resonant, the ensemble con sequently more wholly satisfactory, The individual tone admits of being sustained, and produces voice effects which were impossible in former systems. Of these qualities the Rubinstein concert afforded us numerous proofs; and even in the few chords M. Hill had to play later in an accompaniment to a song they were to be detected.

Munich, 12th March. The undersigned had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with an Aliquot Piano of Herr Blüthner, which, like all the other well-nigh perfect instruments which have come to us from this celebrated manufacturer, performs wonders with its "aliquot tones." It can scarcely be doubted that this new invention will ere long be widely known and generally accepted. JOSEF RHEINBERGER.

CAMILLO SIVORI. I have found the pianos of M. Blüthner possessed of a superb mechanism, gifted with a beautiful purity of tone and a very agreeable touch. M. Blüthner may be classed among the first of modern pianoforte makers.

L'ARTISTE. The principal quality of M. Blüthner's grand pianos is the power of tone. These instruments are equally adapted to brilliancy of execution and to the most refined and expressive playing. The effect is always satisfactory. We find a grand roundness in bass notes, which in delicate passages becomes a velvet softness. One of the most remarkable qualities is the duration of the tone, which never becomes harsh or wooden.

HAMBURGER TAGEBLATT UND ANZEIGER. The Aliquot Piano is distinguishable from among all others by a noble, round and full tone, richly resonant, and capable of modulation.

DEUTSCHE MUSIKER-ZEITUNG. The effect attained by the tone is a remarkable one. The sound here produced is not only rounder, fuller, and richer than that which we have been accustomed to hear, but is more lasting and more easily modulated.

GORLITZER ZEITUNG (Ullmann Tournée-Louis Brassin, Professor at Brussels Conservatoire). In the Notturno of his own composition, played by this artist, the beauty of tone of the glorious Blüthner Pianoforte was especially noticeable.

UNIONS STERN (Müller von der Werra).-We had an opportunity of hearing an instrument of the Blüthner invention, and will endeavour to describe, impartially and faithfully, the overpowering impression it has made upon us. It is essentially a tone which is unsurpassable, as rich and full even in same time it possesses a softness and vibration eminently suggestive of stringed instruments. What an effective use of light and shade may be made on such a pianoforte! From the most refined and delicate piano to the stormiest fortissimo, from a sustained cantando to the shortest staccato, from the legato chord to the scherzo passage, each finds ready power of expression. If the artist accustom himself to such a pianoforte, he may allow the details to take care of themselves, and devote himself more entirely to the spirit of his performance. We must allude, in passing, to the Æolian harp-like vibration of the subsiding tone. The chords, after being played, seem to fade into the distance, where they are audible as the organ sounds from some faroff church, and this effect is very thrilling.

SIGNALE FUR DIE MUSIKALISCHE WELT (Second Gewandhaus Concert at Leipzig). -We cannot and must not part from Herr Door without remembering the instrument he manipulated. This was one from the Blüthner manufactory, constructed on the socalled "Aliquot" system invented by this maker. The instrument is to be commended for a really magnificent richness of tone, particularly noticeable in the performance of melodies. - E. BERNSDORF.

I certify that I have found the piano made by Signor Blüthner to be of a superb mechanism, and of a pure and sonorous tone. In fact, it appears to me to be unrivalled. - CARLO BUSONI.

ISIDOR SEISS (Professor at the Cologne Conservatoire). -Telegram dated Cologne, October 21st, 1876. Piano indescribably beautiful. A complete masterpiece.

NEUE ZEITSCHRIFT FUR MUSIK. - The co-vibrating strings commence at the inserted octave, and are here NEUE ZEITSCHRIFT FUR MUSIK. -The co-vibrating tuned about an octave higher, so that through this middle register there is a fulness and beauty of tone we have never yet heard in any other pianoforte. It is well known that this is the weak point in instruments whose inserted octave is considerably lower than the others; in this Aliquot construction it possesses equality and fulness in an equal degree.

LEIPZEIGER NACHRICHTEN (A. DORFFEI). Gewandhaus Concert. - The Aliquot Piano was clearly audible above the fullest orchestral scoring, and blending therewith produced an effect of harmony we have rarely heard before.

PHILADELPHIA VOLKSBLATT. - Formerly Blüthner pianofortes were sought after without the aliquot system-in fact, they were used by the greatest players, and introduced into important conservatoriums. It is a real enjoyment to see, and a treat to play upon, these instruments.

NEW YORK ZEITUNG. - To hear these Blüthner inventions is to be astonished. Their tone resounds throughout, full and soft, though resonant, until they remind the hearer of stringed instruments.

NEUES STUTTGART TAGEBLATT (Marie Krebs' Concert). We must not omit to praise the wonderful Aliquot Pianoforte of Blüthner. An instrument with such a combination of power and delicacy is worthy of a Marie Krebs.

ALLGEMEINE DEUTSCHE MUSIKZEITUNG.-The quality of tone is full and melodious, especially remarkable in passages containing sustained chords, with a rise or fall in tone. The construction is both simple and strong, so that no fears need be entertained regarding the lasting powers of this new invention.

RIGA ZEITUNG. The tone of the Aliquot Piano is delightfully rich, has a magical diminuendo, and is equal throughout. The practical advantages that accrue to these instruments appear to be most important.

DRESDENER ZEITUNG. - The tone of the instrument, in addition to great power, displays extraordinary sostenuto capabilities.

FRANKISCHER KURIER.-The tone of the instrument is beautiful-so soft, so brilliant, and so voice-like, that we may safely state we have never the highest treble as in the lowest register. At the | before met with the union of such superiorities." Music Trades Review, 15/09/1878, p. 10

1880

Officieller Katalog der Deutsch-Nationalen Kunstgewerbe-Ausstellung zu ..., 1880, p. 6

"HIGHEST PERFECTION OF PIANOS.
SYDNEY EXHIBITION, 1879-80.
The Jury of the Sydney Exhibition (division for Musical Instruments) conferred the highest awards, TWO FIRST PRIZES (one specially for Grands, one specially for Uprights), on C. BECHSTEIN, LONDON. - BERLIN. - PETERSBURG.
LONDON-10, RATHBONE PLACE, W.,
BECHSTEIN INSTRUMENTS have been supplied to their Majesties the Emperors of Germany and Russia, the King of Bavaria, the Queen of Würtemberg, the Grand Dukes of Baden, Saxe-Weimar, Saxe Meiningen, H.I. and R.H. the Crown Princess of Germany (Princess Royal of Great Britain and Ireland), the Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia, the Princess Imperial Helena of Russia, Prince Henry of the Netherlands, Prince Maurocartates of Roumania, &c.
We also had the honour to furnish for the Court Concert at Windsor to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen a BECHSTEIN CONCERT GRAND PIANO.
The Pianos of Bechstein (long since used in Concerts in every Country by all the leading Artists, such as Dr. H. v. Bülow, Prof. Barth, Madame Essipoff, Mr. Charles Hallé, Mdlles. Janotha and Timanoff, Messrs. Ant. v. Rubinstein, Camille Saint-Saëns, Xav. Scharwenka, J. Wieniawski, &c.) have been introduced already, in the first season of our management in London, in the following well-known Concerts :Monday and Saturday Popular, Philharmonic Society, Crystal Palace, Musical Union, Richter Concerts, Dr. H. v. Bülow's and Mdlle. Janotha's Recitals, Mr. Chappell's Denmark Hill Concerts, &c. Dr. H. v. Bülow used, on his Concert Tour in January-February, Mr. Charles Hallé in April, Mr. Ant. v. Rubinstein, during the last winter, exclusively Bechstein Instruments.
"April 17th, 1880.
"The Pianos of C. Bechstein, in regard to beauty of tone, power and delicacy at same time, as well as in agreeableness of touch, leave, in fact, nothing to wish for." (Signed)
CHARLES HALLÉ."
"Bechstein's Pianos are able to compete advantageously with the best and most celebrated of any country." Dr. H. v. Bülow.
"C. Bechstein has attained the utmost degree of perfection in the art of instrument making." Ant. v. Rubinstein.
"C. Bechstein's Pianos are sounding benefactions to the musical world." Richard Wagner.
C. BECHSTEIN was the first Piano Maker in Europe who made Cross-stringed Grand Pianos (London Exhibition, 1862, First-class Medal). - SINCE 1870, NO INSTRUMENT WITHOUT IRON FRAME. - SINCE 1855, NO INSTRUMENT WITHOUT CHECK ACTION. - NEW SPECIALITIES FOR ENGLAND AND EXPORT. - COTTAGES FROM 50 GUINEAS.
GRANDS FROM 105 GUINEAS." Music Trades Review, 15/08/1880, p. 16

1881

Detail of an advertisement, Neue Musik-Zeitung, 15/11/1881, p. 60

1887

Leuchs' Adressbuch der Export-Geschäfte vom Deutschen Reich ..., Volume 12, 1887, p. 45

1889

Advertisement in Programm-Buch der Concerte der Berliner Philharmonischen Gesellschaft, 1889, p. 16

1891

Musikalisches Wochenblatt, 18/06/1891, p. 388

Advert for Blüthner pianofortes, 1891, London (museumcollections.rcm.ac.uk)

Advert for Blüthner pianos, Leipzig, London (museumcollections.rcm.ac.uk)

1892

1893

"THE BLÜTHNER PIANOFORTES
(GRAND AND UPRIGHT).
The most Perfect Pianofortes
in the World.
FOR the full appreciation of the UNRIVALLED POSITION now held by the BLÜTHNER PIANOFORTES throughout the world, and of the nature and importance of the development of the Pianoforte arising from the Blüthner. System of Construction, it should be borne in mind that some of the leading Acoustic principles relative to the causes of pure musical tone have only been placed upon a scientific basis within the past quarter of a century; of which fact the several treatises of Helmholtz, Tyndall, Lord Rayleigh, Sedley Taylor, Deschanel, Ganot, &c., will afford ample evidence. These acoustic revelations have rendered possible A NEW DEPARTURE in pianoforte construction; and as Herr Blüthner is an accomplished physicist as well as being unrivalled in respect to his practical knowledge and skill, he has gradually introduced the most important inventions into the Pianoforte, resulting in a complete revolution in its construction, and raising the Blüthner Instruments to a standard of excellence of which no pianofortes constructed on the older systems can afford any adequate conception.
BLÜTHNER HOUSE,
7,9,11, & 13, Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square, LONDON, W."
Jephtha: Theater Program : an Oratorio Composed in the Year 1751 by G. F. Handel, 1893, p. 6

1894

Neue Berliner Musikzeitung, Volume 48, 22/03/1894, p. 152

"Julius Blüthner. Königl. S. Hof-Pianofortefabrikant. Flügel und Pianinos. Zweiggeschäft in Berlin W. Potsdammerstrasse 27b." Musikpädagogische Blatter ...: Zentralblatt fur das gesamte ..., 1894, p. 12

1895

Musikpädagogische Blatter ...: Zentralblatt fur das gesamte ..., 1895, p. 13

Hamburger Adressbuch: Wirtschafts- und Firmenhandbuch ; Hamburg und ..., 1895, p. 29

1897

Die Redenden Künste: Leipziger Konzertsaal : Zeitschrift für Musik ..., Volume 3, 29/05/1897, p. 937

1899

Musikalisches Wochenblatt, Volume 30, 06/07/1899, p. 395

1904

"Julius Blüthner, Leipzig. Königl. Sächs. Hof-Pianoforte-Fabrik, Hoflieferant Ihrer Maj. der Deutschen Kaiserin und Königin von Preußen, Sr. Maj. des Kaisers von Oesterreich und Königs von Ungarn, Sr. Maj. des Kaisers von Rußland, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Sachsen, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Bayern, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Württemberg, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Dänemark, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Griechenland, Sr. Maj. des Königs von Rumänien, Ihrer Maj. der Königin von England. Flügel und Pianinos. Besondere Bauart für alle Klimate. Prämiiert mit nur ersten Weltausstellungspreisen." Zeitschrift für Instrumentenbau, Volume 25, 1904, p. 341

1906

1910

1911

Daheim-kalender für das Deutsche Reich ..., 1911, p. 86

1912

Welt-Adressbuch der gesamten Musikinstrumenten-Industrie, 1912, p. 199 (digital.sim.spk-berlin.de)

1922

1925

Welt-Adressbuch der gesamten Musikinstrumenten-Industrie, 1925, p. 347 (digital.sim.spk-berlin.de)

ADVERT

Advert for Blüthner pianofortes, London (museumcollections.rcm.ac.uk)

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