Johann Andreas Stein and the German Grand Piano

Abstract WhenHe Arrivedin Augsburg as a 21-year-old, during his long, ill-fated journey to Paris, Mozart was about to encounter the developed form of the German fortepiano that was to play such a significant part in his life over the next ten years. Arriving late at night from Munich, one of his major priorities the next day, 12 October 1777, was to visit the organ and instrument maker Johann Andreas Stein. He had not visited Augsburg since he was a small boy, and among other things he was hoping to see the new claviers about which he had evidently heard very favourable reports. Mozart’s father, Leopold, was a native of Augsburg, and tolerably well informed about affairs there. His scheme was that if his son were to stop over for more than a few days, he should try to enlist Stein’s help in organizing an impressive concert before leaving town. In the event, when he approached the town councillors, they declined to support this pro¬ ject. Worse still, Mozart felt humiliated by their condescending attitude and was about to leave the town in a burning rage; but Stein placated the young man, and eventually prevailed upon him to stay until suitable arrangements could be made. Stein himself took the leading role in co-ordinating matters.