The Piano

The author follows the piano's history, from the fortepiano of Mozart's time to the most sophisticated modern products of the Japanese manufacturers and looks at the professional musicians, the hire-purchase touts and fashionable ladies, amongst others. For more than a century the piano occupied a dominant place in music and society. Professor Ehrlich follows its fascinating history from the fortepiano of Mozart's time, through the Victorians' `household orchestra and god', to the most sophisticated modern products of the Japanese manufacturers. His protagonists include barnstorming virtuosi, fashionable ladies and aspiring clerks, the great makers and the back-street `garrett-masters', distinguished musicians, and hire-purchase touts. Originally published in 1976 by Dent, this book has now been updated and revised by the author in the light of developments of recent years.