The Pianoforte in Switzerland

Nowadays Swiss Pianofortes are almost completely forgotten.

We need help to find them and tend them.

In the 1770's to the 1810's Swiss pianofortes had a high reputation for quality and they reached as far as anyone can imagine.

In central Europe, they are well known for their first class timbers for the soundboards especially "best pine trees in the alps" and for their very smooth touch. Names such as Hellen and Kyburz are highly regarded.

They are very much like the French pianofortes but instead of having pedals the Swiss always had knee levers.

Instruments may be seen in Paris at the Cité de la musique a Hellen Grand, Château de Prangins a Kyburz square, Château de Coppet a eberlin and in the collection of Rudolf Haase he has quite a few early Swiss beauties.

In Lausanne there is a musical instrument collection with 3 fortepiano's a C 1815 Clementi, a 1788 Broadwood and a V.May 1827. In nearby Nyon a square by Johannes Zumpe and Gabriel Buntebart 1776.

Apart from the many château with these beautiful instruments there are private collections

Rudolf Haase, Michael Kiener, Pierre Goy and la Ménestrandie in Geneva which can be seen via appointment are examples of such collections.