Early Pianos
The 1781 Square Piano by Christopher Ganer is of the type created in London in the mid-1760s by Johannes Zumpe, with the dampers raised by hand-levers rather than a pedal. Norris’s researches have revealed that composers like JC Bach and James Hook wrote Piano Concertos and Sonatas specifically for this engaging little instrument, and that the World’s First Piano Concerto was written for it in London in 1769 by the Fattest Man in England. Norris has recorded highlights of this repertoire with Monica Huggett and Sonnerie. (See Discography and Reviews.)
See Picture Gallery.
Norris and Huggett will give concerts with this instrument as follows :
Tuesday, 4 October 2005 The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness
Wednesday 25 January 2006 Newcastle-under-Lyme
Sunday, 5 March 2006 15:00 Bridge House Theatre, Warwick
Tuesday, 7 March 2006 The Great Hall, Dartington
Wednesday, 8 March 2006 19:45 Crucible Studio, Sheffield
Thursday, 9 March 2006 19:30 Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury
Friday, 10 March 2006 19:30 Portsmouth Cathedral
Sunday, 2 April 2006 11:00 The Old Market, Hove
Thursday, 6 April 2006 19:30 The Sage Gateshead
Sunday, 23 April 2006 The Frick Collection, New York City
Wednesday 26 April 2006 Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Michigan
A further North American Tour will take place in early 2007.
The educational project Mozart’s Hero will be linked into these performances.
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