“112102   3 Mars 1924. Piano à queue no. 3. c/croisées, palissandre verni. “

 

(3rd March 1924.  90-note overstrung concert grand piano, polished rosewood case.)

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This entry in the ledger of the piano builders Érard from their workshops in Paris, relating to the completion of the piano here at St Wulfram’s. The piano was bequeathed to the church in 1961, by the widow of Stephen Mundy, the organist and director of music here from 1941 to 1961.

It will also come as no surprise that at 102 yrs. old it needs some work to restore it to its original condition and tonal quality.

The piano is such an important part of the music tradition here at St. Wulfram’s, both as a recital instrument and as an accompaniment to choir training and rehearsals, that the Philip Lank Trust is backing this project.

 

Érard is one of the oldest piano companies, started by Sébastien Érard in Paris, who built his first piano in 1777.  Their pianos are renowned for the tonal quality and their pioneering action. Our piano has the double escapement action invented by Sébastien Érard in 1821. This allows rapid note repetition without fully releasing the key, enabling faster, more expressive playing. This is now a standard feature of all modern grand pianos. 

Beethoven, Chopin, Fauré, Haydn, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Wagner, Verdi and Ravel are just a few of the famous composers that owned Érard pianos.

 

Our piano was moved to Érard’s London shop in 1927, and we understand Andrew owned it from 1945. The famous pianist Ignacy Paderewski also played and owned Érard pianos and it is said that he played our piano. 

We have sought quotes and engaged the services of a local specialist piano tuner and restorer, White and Sentence of Sleaford. The work will cost £7,000 and is planned to commence in April. The first stage of this work will be the refurbishment of the original hand-made hammers, which will go to a specialist company in Germany.​

We are deeply appreciative of the generous donations towards the piano restoration that we have received to date.​

Donations at any level will be welcome and greatly appreciated. This will allow us to meet the cost of the restoration whilst protecting our working fund, enabling us to continue supporting the work of the choir and enabling us to respond proactively to their needs. 

If you wish to contact us about a donation or ask any questions, please email  philiplanktrust@outlook.com

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It would be most beneficial to the trust if those individuals who are tax payers sign a 'Gift Aid form' and send this to the trust who will be able to claim back the basic rate tax from H.M. Customs and Revenue. At present this adds 25% to the value of the gift. You may download a copy of the Gift Aid Form here.