1. Event Details: On Monday, June 3rd at 1pm, acclaimed pianist Angela Hewitt made her historic debut as a fortepiano player at London’s Wigmore Hall. The highly anticipated concert featured a program of works by classical music masters Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Adding to the excitement of the event was the fact that Hewitt played on a replica Conrad Graf fortepiano, meticulously crafted by renowned piano makers Paul McNulty and Sergei Kramer. The instrument is the property of Wigmore Hall, making the concert a meaningful occasion for both the venue and the audience.

2. Angela Hewitt’s Historical Performance: Known for her exceptional interpretations of Bach and classical music repertoire, Angela Hewitt entered the world of historical performance with this concert. Her decision to play the fortepiano, which bridges the soundscapes of the harpsichord and the modern piano, demonstrated her versatility and deep understanding of the performance practices of the time when these musical works were written. The fortepiano has a unique sound quality and dynamic range that provides a listening experience distinct from modern concert grand pianos.

3. The Fortepiano: The fortepiano used in this recital is a replica of a Conrad Graf instrument made by Paul McNulty and Sergei Kramer. Conrad Graf was a renowned piano maker of the early 19th century, widely known for the clarity and responsiveness of his instruments. Graf pianos were used by many great composers of the time, including Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin. Acclaimed contemporary fortepiano maker Paul McNulty has dedicated his career to making historically accurate replicas of these early classical instruments, preserving and realizing their unique sound and character for modern audiences. Paul’s successor, Sergei Kramer, a recognized craftsman of outstanding skill, works with Paul to ensure the highest quality and reliability of McNulty Fortepianos.

4. Concert Program: The concert program began with Haydn’s Variations in F minor HXVII/6, a work that highlights the expressive power of the fortepiano. Angela Hewitt’s performance captured the delicate nuances and emotional depth of the piece, setting the tone for the recital. This was followed by Mozart’s Rondo in D minor K485 and Fantasia in D minor K397. Mozart’s works are particularly suited to the fortepiano, and Hewitt’s performance brought out the sparkling clarity and graceful elegance of these pieces. Schubert’s Impromptu in G major D899 No. 3 then showcased the instrument’s lyricism and melodic richness. Hewitt’s delicate touch and phrasing accentuated the singing melodic nature of the impromptu, drawing the audience into the intimate world of Schubert’s music. The program concluded with Beethoven’s iconic “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2, commonly known as the Moonlight Sonata.” Hewitt’s interpretation of this beloved work on the fortepiano offered the audience a new perspective, revealing new layers of the piece’s texture and expression.

5. Audience Reception: Angela Hewitt’s performance received rapturous applause from the audience, who were enthralled and delighted by both her artistry and the unique sound of the fortepiano. The instrument’s ability to convey a wide range of dynamics and its unique sound added a new dimension to the familiar repertoire. Hewitt’s combination of fortepiano proficiency and deep musical insight, which brilliantly brought out the instrument’s advantages, made this concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. The recital was also broadcast to a wider audience via BBC Radio.

6. Craftsmanship and Collaboration: The collaboration between Paul McNulty and Sergei Kramer to create a replica Graf fortepiano played a key role in the success of the recital. With its historical accuracy and dedication to craftsmanship, the instrument not only met but exceeded the expectations of both performers and audiences. The performance of the fortepiano at Wigmore Hall, known for its excellent acoustics and rich musical tradition, underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating historical instruments in contemporary performance.

7. Conclusion: In conclusion, Angela Hewitt’s fortepiano debut at Wigmore Hall was a great success, giving many classical music lovers around the world a rare and enriching experience. It was a tribute to the enduring legacy of Conrad Graf’s piano and the exceptional craftsmanship of Paul McNulty and Sergei Kramer. The positive response of the audience to the performance and the sound of the fortepiano confirmed the importance of this historic event in the classical music world.

8. Future Prospects: More and more artists are now performing on fortepianos. At McNulty’s workshop, it is possible not only to buy historical pianos but also to rent them for concerts, recitals, and recordings. We hope this will provide an even wider range of musical experiences for people to enjoy.