A stand for music is shown in Illustration [300], owned by J. J. Gilbert, Esq., of Baltimore. It is elegant in design and possesses also the very desirable merit in a rest for music, of standing firmly upon its four lion’s claw feet, with the heavy turned and reeded post to support the top and the lyre-shaped music rack.
Illus. 301.—Music-stand, 1800-1820.
The mahogany case for music books in Illustration [301] is owned by Dwight M. Prouty, Esq. It has a drawer for sheet music and a shelf below, beside the five compartments for books, with the lyre-shaped divisions of solid wood, and the ends open, with lyre strings of wood.
Illus. 302.—Harp-shaped Piano, about 1800.
Illustration [302] shows a harp-shaped piano, made by André Stein, d’Augsburg. It is owned by B. J. Lang, Esq., of Boston, and was made about 1800. Pianos of this style are occasionally found in this country. The shape of the top shows how the strings run, the effect being similar to a grand piano stood upon its end. The silk draperies are the original ones, and are faded from red to a soft dead leaf color, which is most artistic and harmonious. The six pedals are supposed to produce different effects to correspond with the following names: fagotti, piano, forte, pianissimo, triangle, cinelle.
The upright piano, known then as a cottage piano, was invented in 1800. Illustration [303] shows a small upright piano said to have belonged to Lady Morgan, the “wild Irish girl.” The case is an exquisite example of the work of an English cabinet-maker, from 1800 to 1810, and may have been that of Sheraton himself. The lower panels are of satinwood, with the frame and the oval piece in the centre of mahogany, outlined with ebony and white holly.
