Neupert Fortepiano
The fortepiano is a historical keyboard instrument used in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and the ancestor of today’s piano. With its light touch and clear sound, it brings the music of the Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven era to life as it was originally heard. Neupert makes three fortepianos with Viennese action: the Mozart, the Anton Walter and the Dulcken. Kuğu Müzik is the authorised J.C. Neupert dealer in Türkiye, and the fortepianos are available to order.
What defines Neupert fortepianos:
- Viennese action: Prellzungen action on all models
- 5 and 6 octaves: F1–f3, F1–g3 and F1–f4 compasses
- Knee levers or pedals: Forte and moderator knee levers on the Mozart and Walter, 3 pedals on the Dulcken
- Historical collection: Some of the originals used as models come from the Neupert collection
Neupert Mozart Fortepiano
The Neupert Mozart fortepiano was born from fortepianos of the last quarter of the 18th century in the Neupert collection (today at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg). The main model chosen was the fortepiano built in Vienna in 1796 by Johann Jakob Könnicke (1756–1811); elements taken from Anton Walter and Johann Andreas Stein fortepianos and the workshop’s own ideas were also added to the design.
With the five-octave keyboard that Mozart never exceeded, a light touch and a delicate, bright sound, it suits concert halls, opera houses and conservatoires as well as amateurs who want to play the music of Mozart and his contemporaries at home.
| Compass | F1–f3 (5 octaves) |
|---|---|
| Strings | Double-strung |
| Action | Viennese action (Prellzungenmechanik) |
| Keys | Naturals ebony, sharps covered with ivory-look plastic |
| Controls | 2 knee levers (forte, moderator) |
| Length | 205 cm |
| Width | 93 cm |
| Net weight | 90 kg |
| Optional equipment | Panelled lid, pedals instead of knee levers, fitted cover and bench |
Neupert Anton Walter Fortepiano
The Neupert Anton Walter is a copy of the fortepiano built in Vienna between 1795 and 1800 by Anton Walter. The original instrument comes from the Neupert Historical Piano Collection and is now at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg (Inv. No. MINe 109).
Anton Walter (1752–1826) attracted wide attention when Mozart bought a fortepiano from him in 1782; that instrument remained Mozart’s home and concert instrument until his death. Walter fortepianos have a fuller sound than the instruments of his contemporary Johann Andreas Stein, thanks to larger hammer heads and stronger stringing.
| Compass | F1–g3 (5 octaves and one note) |
|---|---|
| Strings | Triple-strung in the treble, two strings per note elsewhere |
| Action | Viennese action (Prellzungenmechanik) |
| Keys | Naturals ebony, sharps topped with bone |
| Controls | 2 knee levers (forte, moderator) |
| Length | 219 cm |
| Width | 102 cm |
| Weight | 98 kg |
| Optional equipment | Panelled lid, pedals instead of knee levers, fitted cover and bench |
Neupert Dulcken Fortepiano
The Neupert Dulcken is a copy of the fortepiano built around 1815 by Louis Dulcken, court piano maker in Munich, which was once owned by Neupert. Louis Dulcken came from a family of instrument makers; his grandfather Joannes Daniel Dulcken was considered by his contemporaries “the best harpsichord maker after the three Ruckers”.
With its six-octave keyboard, forte and una corda pedals and a moderator pedal for realising the “sordino” and “pianissimo” markings of the period’s piano literature, the Dulcken forms an ideal bridge between Classical and early Romantic piano music.
| Compass | F1–f4 (6 octaves) |
|---|---|
| Strings | Triple-strung in the treble, two strings elsewhere |
| Action | Viennese action (Prellzungenmechanik) |
| Keys | Naturals topped with bone, sharps ebony |
| Controls | 3 pedals (forte, moderator, una corda) |
| Length | 232 cm |
| Width | 116 cm |
| Net weight | 125 kg |
| Optional equipment | Fitted cover and bench |
Model Comparison
| Model | Original | Compass | Controls | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mozart | Könnicke, Vienna 1796 | F1–f3 (5 octaves) | 2 knee levers | 205 cm | 90 kg |
| Anton Walter | Walter, Vienna ~1795 | F1–g3 | 2 knee levers | 219 cm | 98 kg |
| Dulcken | Dulcken, Munich ~1815 | F1–f4 (6 octaves) | 3 pedals | 232 cm | 125 kg |
Other Neupert Instruments
Neupert harpsichords · Neupert spinet · Neupert clavichord. For all instruments, see the Neupert page.
Source: J.C. Neupert – Fortepianos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fortepiano and a modern piano?
The fortepiano has a lighter case, thinner strings and a Viennese action. Its touch is light and its sound clearer and shorter, which lets the texture of works from the Mozart and Beethoven era be heard more clearly.
Which Neupert fortepiano should I choose?
The five-octave Mozart and Walter suit the repertoire of the Mozart and Haydn era; the Walter stands out with a compass one note wider and a fuller sound. The six-octave Dulcken extends to Beethoven works that go beyond five octaves and to the early Romantic repertoire.
How can I buy a Neupert fortepiano in Türkiye?
Neupert fortepianos are built to order in Neupert’s workshop near Bamberg and brought to Türkiye through Kuğu Müzik. For finish, colour and optional equipment, get in touch with us.