From 27–29 September, Cremona Musica 2024 reaffirmed its position as the premier international event for high-end musical instruments and their makers. Drawing 20,110 participants from 74 countries, 450 exhibitors from 35 nations (52% international), and hosting 237 events, the fair transformed the outskirts of Cremona into a bustling hub of musical innovation and tradition. Among the many international exhibitors, McNulty Fortepianos captivated visitors with their expertly crafted historical replicas, offering a window into the sound worlds of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Cremona Musica: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Although the main exhibition took place in Cremona’s hinterland, the city’s heritage as a center of musical craftsmanship enriched the event’s atmosphere. Cremona’s historical connection to legendary luthiers like Stradivari and Guarneri provided a meaningful backdrop to the fair, even as the modern venue accommodated the global scope of this dynamic gathering. Cremona Musica remains a unique intersection of artistry, commerce, and culture, where music professionals and enthusiasts unite to celebrate the finest instruments and their makers.

McNulty Fortepianos: Bringing History to the Present

As one of the esteemed international exhibitors, McNulty Fortepianos drew significant attention from a diverse audience of musicians, professionals, and enthusiasts. Paul McNulty, Sergei Kramer, and Viviana Sofronitsky personally showcased their replicas of historical fortepianos, allowing visitors to explore the rich tonal palette of instruments integral to the works of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Chopin. The featured models included:
— McNulty Walter: A faithful reproduction of an instrument from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, ideal for Mozart and his contemporaries.
— McNulty Walter Decorated: A visually stunning version of the Walter, blending artistry with superb craftsmanship.
— McNulty Graf: A replica of the fortepianos used by Beethoven and Schubert, celebrated for its dynamic range and expressive power.
— McNulty Pleyel: Perfectly suited to evoke the romantic sound world of Chopin, its sound has been described as “the marriage of crystal and water,” offering clarity and fluidity that inspires both performers and listeners alike.

Interactive Experiences: A Key to Understanding Fortepianos

One of the highlights of Cremona Musica is the opportunity for direct interaction with the instruments. Unlike concert venues, the fair allows visitors to touch, play, and listen to fortepianos up close. This hands-on engagement is invaluable for musicians and enthusiasts seeking to understand the unique characteristics of historical instruments and their role in period music performance.
McNulty Fortepianos leveraged this interactive format to connect with both seasoned professionals and new admirers, offering an authentic glimpse into the past while inspiring contemporary interpretations.

A Hub for Global Networking and Musical Exploration

Cremona Musica serves as a global platform for fostering connections among instrument makers, performers, and industry professionals. The fair’s vibrant international audience underscores the growing interest in historically informed performance and the instruments that bring these traditions to life.
For McNulty Fortepianos, participation in this event strengthens their mission to preserve the legacy of historical instruments, enabling performers today to experience and interpret the music of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin as it was originally intended.

Looking Ahead

McNulty Fortepianos’ success at Cremona Musica 2024 highlights their role in bridging the past and present of classical music. As interest in period instruments continues to grow, events like this offer unparalleled opportunities to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship that keep these traditions alive.