The Berent Piano, 1775 - The First Piano Commercially Made and Sold in America - Sigal Music Museum

When this Johan Berent piano re-emerged from its 246-year seclusion, mostly spent within the original family, it created an immediate sensation. The advertisement for this particular piano in the Pennsylvania Packet in early 1775, is among the best-known notices from colonial times in America.
Speculation as to the true nature of this piano has circulated for over two hundred years. During the Bi-Centennial celebrations of America in 1976, several groups turned their attention to highlighting the possibility that such a piano might still exist, though nothing tied any of the pianos then known, to Berent. Only now are we able, at last, to study the construction of the real John Behrent piano, and learn something about the maker.
The original key levers and bottom boards are made of tulip poplar, found only in America and of too little value to ever export in the eighteenth century. John Berent spelled his name differently every time he used it in notices or legal documents. Whether he did this in an attempt to anglicize it, or simply because he did not know how it was spelled, this caused enough confusion that detection of this piano was missed in the early 1970s when it was first studied. Berent came to Philadelphia from London, by way of Lisbon Portugal, in 1770 and set up immediately to make musical instruments, as well as case goods, bedsteads, and similar items. He introduced this instrument to the New World, as “an extraordinary fine instrument by the name of Piano Forte, in the manner of an harpsichord, and several changes.” The piano closely follows the techniques of London-based builder Americus Backers, who was building instruments much like this contemporary to Berent. That an American also built an “English grand piano” in Philadelphia while Backers was then working in London, is indeed “extraordinary.”

[@adhocrat1]

CF Martin learned that he had to be part of a violin guild in Germany to make guitars. Rather than deal with that, he moved to America and started Martin Guitars in 1833. I had not realized the piano makers had the same issue

[@Sailorette88]

What fascinating stories. Martin is in Lititz, Pa and David Tannenberg made organs at Lititz. The tune played at the beginning is The Ash Grove, a traditional tune from Wales. Very fitting!

[@williamgunter6801]

About 100 years in an attic, partially restored, then restoration completed, sounding extrordinary today. Thank you for sharing this wonderful survivor.😊😊😊

[@richardadkins2399]

Wonderful I have in my care one of Peter Redstone's copies of the Americus Backers fortepiano of 1772 he made for Wm and Mary College. A few years ago the original Backers in England was "restored". It got quite a few write ups and some short videos at the time. I'm sure that is the one you played. It was a real adventure for me to acquire the Redstone copy, as prior to that I only knew the Viennese fortepianos, which are very different. Most of what we see in early English forte pianos was at least inspired by Backers original. Basically they stole their designs from him and added "improvements". The Backers is double strung. We're keeping it at A-428 to hopefully prevent it from twisting as your Berent has done. Thanks for putting this up, it made my day!

[@tomarmstrong1281]

An interesting and well-presented history of a unique instrument.

[@DaveBassDotCom]

Just lovely. Thank you for your care and love for these instruments.

[@philipallard8026]

What a wonderful story.

[@GabrielMichael43]

Very nice sound. "The Ash Grove": -- We learnt in elementary grade school: "We wish you a merry Christmas / We wish you a merry Christmas / We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New year" to the exact same melody (and additional lyrics before and after the refrain).

[@eottoe2001]

TY for the video and the restoration. It's good to hear period music with period instruments.

[@user-ru2qn1ow1d]

Thank you for this video piece. Wonderful that the piano still exists. It sounds lovely. I must arrange a visit to your museum.

[@7649angel]

Thank you! A great story of a very early instrument.

[@SigalMusicMuseum]

Our pleasure!

[@TheClasax]

a remarkable story indeed

[@SigalMusicMuseum]

It really is!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

WOW, that was BRILLIANT ! Your channel happened to appear in my inbox by chance, now I'm a sub. What a fantastic find, and your lesson into its history is fascinating. I'm sure your Museum is a wonderful place, but being an aged man in England, I don't suppose I will ever get the opportunity to visit. Thank you for sharing this beautiful instrument with us - I will now have to investigate your channel further. Thanks again - take care 🙂

[@reidgalbraith250]

There was a fabulous collection of keyboard instruments you might have visited called “Finchcocks” (near Goudhurst in Kent) owned and curated by Adlam Burnett. Reproduction keyboard instruments were also made there. Derek Adlam, (the Royce in partnership with, the Rolls being the fine player Richard Burnett) whose recordings are currently on U-tube, was previously the curator of the Colt Collection (near Bethersden in Kent) of early keyboard instruments. Perhaps you have visited these in their day. Sadly I know for certain that “Finchcocks” has been disbanded. I’m uncertain of the fate of the Colt Collection. Both were extraordinary in their day and in England. I wish You luck. RAHG

[@Renshen1957]

The Sharps are skunk-stripes, popular in English Harpsichords

[@jimmorgan5612]

Could you have tuned this instrument before this video to give us a better idea of what it really sounded like?

[@MrJojowasaman]

I would guess that because it is so old, tuning it could cause damage, perhaps.

[@mellissadalby1402]

Hey! I play "The Ash Grove" on Violin! My teacher led me to it two lessons ago and it is now one of my favorites.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Wonderful!

[@SigalMusicMuseum]

Glad you think so!

[@BlaisPianoGuitars]

Wow! what an amazing story. Pretty cool you got it playing. Did Mr.Belt save the original SB? If so -- where is it???? We pay close attention to presentations like this one. What kind of wood was used for that original SB? Thank you for your efforts. I have too many questions to ask. Were there any original hammers left from 1776!!!

[@jockmoron]

It has a sweet tone, certainly suitable for the little old air, the Ash Grove. Interesting story, and an amazing survival. An important part of US musical history and a sad end to its maker.

[@GereDJ2]

Great story history. How many keys on this keyboard?

[@EdwarddeVere1550]

How many notes and strings in this instrument and does it have tensioning elements to hold the structural integrity? Does it ressemble elements from Broadwood, Erards or Pleyels of that period?

[@arpeggiomikey]

All very good, Google-worthy questions....🧐🎶🎹

[@JoeLinux2000]

Very interesting. Rather nice sounding instrument. I wonder if Pianoteq will virtulize it?

[@TylerWalker-wj8wr]

Are there any other early American made pianos or British or Portuguese made around that time that exist in original condition with which you can compare sound quality?

[@scottshepard345]

I would like to know how the sound of this piano differs from a modern baby grand, which would seem to be its closest relative. And then there is the question: which is better, old or modern?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

No such thing as better. Each has their merit. All comes down to which you enjoy listening to more.

[@reidgalbraith250]

Dear @scottshepard345 @GrotarianSeller is absolutely right. Which is better is a matter of choice. The fact is that many modern instruments have altered from the original instruments that were current when historic composers were alive, and that their contemporary audiences would have been used to hearing. This is largely because concert halls are larger and so are orchestras. Volume is needed to carry throughout large venues (not to mention the acoustic deadening of more people in the audience). The stringed instruments have achieved this by being altered extensively, structurally, from original instruments with heavier strings (and changing strings being made from gut to steel strings in the case of bowed instruments. In the case of plucked stringed instruments changing them from gut to nylon). Modern pianos have steel “skeletons” to take the increased string tension and I am pretty sure that there are no quality violins which are as the original maker built them. They have been dismantled and given heavier bass bars and sound posts as well as being renecked at a steeper angle because they have been refitted with taller bridges. With instruments of extreme monetary value returning them to original design (if we know for certain what that is), known as rebaroquing, is considered out of the question regards “investment value”. Hence the demand by early music performers for reproduction instruments built to “original “ specifications. There are some historic instruments, particularly keyboards, restored to playing condition. These are valuable insights into originality. It’s a fascinating subject and if you’re interested and want to know more do read publications such as the Galpin Society journal and Early Music magazine. As for which is better? The Early Music Movement started, to my knowledge, as part of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Here in England we had Arnold Dolmetch (everyone in England is familiar with the Dolmetch plastic school recorder). He himself came from the continent (Germany or Switzerland, I forget). Arnold Dolmetch was indeed contemporary with William Morris; the leading light of the Arts and Crafts Movement, though Dolmetch was a little bit younger. The whole effort was a reaction to the overwhelming and dehumanising effects of the changes to society wrought by the industrial revolution. In music, as venues became larger and orchestras grew in number, similarly there is a school of thought that the increased power and volume of modern music was equally overwhelming and that the intimacy of music as performed at the time it was originally composed, and as audiences were then used to listening to it, was destroyed. Put simply its about “less is more “. I strongly recommend that you decide what you yourself prefer, starting with Utube, by comparing performances on modern instruments, of now historic composers, with performances by Early Music musicians on “authentic “ instruments. Thereafter graduate to going to live concert performances (if they are available to you locally)of both and get involved in the great debate as to what is truly authentic! Opinions vary and some compromises have to be made. Avoid the ultra puritanical Early Music aficionados who even decry the Romantic Era let alone Stravinsky! I rather enjoy Mendelssohn and Schubert and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring wouldn’t sound much on “Authentic Instruments”; perish the thought! Do you know my wife was a Punk in her youth and took me to a Strangler’s concert recently! Quite an experience. Peaches was great and I did actually enjoy myself. Mind you, next time she takes me to a rock concert I’m taking ear defenders! Another reason to compromise is that musicians have to play to large audiences in order to make a living. As for gut strings; well yes they are beautiful………so long as they are in tune, which in my experience isn’t very long. I once went to a concert on a gut strung instrument and found the continuous tuning (between every piece and even during the piece) tedious to the point of being maddening! Play the field, but most of all music is to be enjoyed. Find your own passion. Have fun, RAHG 🎉❤

[@bobm2331]

Hearing the piano, was there a reason it was kept out of tune? Sound board issues? Nice documentary. Thank you.

[@Marklar0]

It is not out of tune! This is what 18th century pianos sound like

[@KriegAdler09]

Respectfully, it is “Auburn University.”

[@bealreadyhappy]

7:55 why a keyboard shift?

[@SigalMusicMuseum]

To make a quieter sound

[@UnknownPascal-sc2nk]

Fewer strings struck?

[@vaughanjones5933]

Let all things now living, a song of thanksgiving, to God the Creator, triumphantly raise.

[@warriorson7979]

But America only started existing in 1776...? So it was first made in the British Empire.😌

[@SimonBrouwer]

The land mass we call America existed long before the USA came into being.

[@warriorson7979]

@@SimonBrouwer Oh... I thought George Washington invented America

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

or, the New World or the North American British colonies

[@marietteestabrook4098]

@@warriorson7979No. that was the Continental Congress which declared Independence. George Washington was the General of the Continental army.