James Tobin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>...  Beethoven's music kept outgrowing his pianos (I seem to recall that
>he kept breaking them, in fact; can someone confirm that?) and I believe
>that he was looking for a lot of power in much of his music, so you want to
>hear a piano at least as recent as his music.  The Hammerklavier probably
>calls for a piano beyond any made in his lifetime.  Ditto for the Emperor
>Concerto.

Beethoven did break strings, but I doubt if he was the first to do that!
I've heard the Emperor and Hammerklavier played on a 6.5 octave Graff
instrument of 1824 (similar to the one owned by B) and I must say it is
more than suitable for these compositions - the sharp attack and quick(ish)
decay, the extra clarity in the bass and overall richness in colour
produces a more dynamic and exciting effect.  After hearing such an
instrument I never take Steinways etc seriously anymore with regard
to Beethoven.

Rod