This free talk on October 2, 2022 will reveal the mysteries about a special instrument in the collection of the Moravian Historical Society. Believed to be the earliest piano made in America, audiences will be able to hear a reproduction of the instrument played during the event. 

Nazareth, PA—The public is invited to attend a free lecture and demonstration at the Moravian Historical Society (MHS) with John Watson and Thomas Dressler. John Watson will provide compelling research that attributes the MHS 18th century piano to Johann Gottlob Clemm. If Watson is correct, the ancient instrument stands as the best preserved survivor of Clemm’s work and likely the first piano made in America.

In 2019, John Watson and Tom and Michele Winter spent two weeks at the Moravian Historical Society’s Museum to study and document the instrument. After that research, they built an accurate, playable reproduction which they then donated to our museum.

This reproduction instrument will be played for local audiences for the first time on October 2 by Thomas Dressler. Dressler has performed for more than thirty years, often on historic instruments, including some of America’s oldest and most historic organs.

John Watson is an independent conservator and maker of early keyboard instruments. From 1988-2016 he served as conservator and curator of musical instruments for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He has made more than 33 reproduction keyboard instruments including a replica of an English Harpsichord that belonged to George Washington (in the collection of Mount Vernon). He has authored numerous articles and publications.

The program is free to attend but seating is very limited. Advance registration is required by visiting moravianhistory.org.

For more information visit us at www.moravianhistory.org, call 610-759-5070, or email info@moravianhistory.org.

Find us on social media: Facebook: moravianhistoricalsociety • Instagram: moravianhistory

214 East Center Street • Nazareth, Pennsylvania 18064 • 610.759.5070 • www.moravianhistory.org

 

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Moravian Historical Society
https://www.moravianhistory.org/

 

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