Sylvia Berry in Concert

Sylvia Berry in Concert

Piano music of “Papa” Haydn

in the 1806 Mansion

Sylvia Berry, fortepiano 

(John Broadwood and Son, London, 1806)

A description of the event written by Gore Place:

"This concert will feature Haydn's three "London" sonatas (Hob. XVI:50-52) played on a recently restored 1806 piano from the London firm John Broadwood and Son. Two of these sonatas were written for the virtuoso pianist Therese Jansen Bartolozzi, who may well have owned a Broadwood piano since these were arguably the most sought after pianos in London. Indeed, Broadwood was one of the most important instrument builders in the history of the piano. During the first of Haydn's two London sojourns, he had a studio in Broadwood's shop, giving him free access to these wonderful instruments.

Coincidentally, Gore Place was built the same year as the piano that will be played in this concert. Christopher Gore held a diplomatic post that brought him to England from 1796-1804. It is easy to imagine that Gore and his wife would have heard Broadwood pianos during their time in England, and that they would have heard the music of Haydn as well since he was so beloved there. Hearing the music of “Papa” Haydn in the home of one of America's earliest politicians, on an instrument dating from the same year as the house, will add up to a wonderful Father's Day treat."