Cavallo

Biography

Cavallo is identified in the text as one of the great scientists of the British Museum whose knowledge of acoustics John Broadwood called upon while reconstructing the square piano. Broadwood sought his and Dr. Gray's scientific judgment rather than relying purely on empirical experimentation, illustrating Broadwood's habit of drawing on scientific friends when pursuing major innovations in piano construction. From Spillane (1890): Cavallo was one of two eminent scientists, together with Dr. Grey of the British Museum, whose counsel John Broadwood enlisted to apply acoustic science to piano construction. With their assistance the laws of "striking distance" governing hammer adjustment were established, principles that subsequently spread through the London piano shops and on to Continental makers. Broadwood later experimented further on this basis to refine the placement of the upper bridge.

Highlights

• A scientist at the British Museum whom John Broadwood consulted, along with Dr. Gray, for expertise in acoustics while reconstructing the square piano
• Assisted John Broadwood, along with Dr. Grey of the British Museum, in establishing the laws of 'striking distance' for hammer adjustment.

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 244.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 21, 22.

Public domain.