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Book Review
Mr. Langshaw's Square Piano
by Madeline Goold
This book was precipitated by the author's interest in and purchase of an early 19th century Broadwood square piano. While her piano was being restored, she used its serial number, 10651, to research its provenance and history, as well as the history of the square piano in the British Empire.
Mr. Langshaw's Square Piano thus explores the history of early pianos and piano-making, the life and activities of piano 10651's original owner, John Langshaw, and the cultural changes that the first pianos brought about. Goold's book is more of a slice of life than an exhaustive scholarly study, but it is quite interesting and informative nonetheless. I always find it fascinating to learn the details of everyday musical life in a particular time and place, through the experiences of regular musicians rather than the great and celebrated figures we usually focus on.
by Madeline Goold
This book was precipitated by the author's interest in and purchase of an early 19th century Broadwood square piano. While her piano was being restored, she used its serial number, 10651, to research its provenance and history, as well as the history of the square piano in the British Empire.
Mr. Langshaw's Square Piano thus explores the history of early pianos and piano-making, the life and activities of piano 10651's original owner, John Langshaw, and the cultural changes that the first pianos brought about. Goold's book is more of a slice of life than an exhaustive scholarly study, but it is quite interesting and informative nonetheless. I always find it fascinating to learn the details of everyday musical life in a particular time and place, through the experiences of regular musicians rather than the great and celebrated figures we usually focus on.