Gilfert

Biography

Gilfert is named by Spillane, together with Hulett and Von Hagen, as one of the pianists and teachers whose names 'stand out' among the earliest exponents of the pianoforte in the United States. Spillane places this trio within the 'early chapters of this work,' indicating they received fuller treatment earlier in the book than the pages excerpted here. In this closing passage the author credits such early figures with helping to establish musical culture and the pianoforte as an art instrument in America during the nation's first century of independence, but gives no further individual biographical detail — no dates, full given name, or specific achievements — beyond this collective acknowledgment. Gilfert operated Gilfert's Musical Magazine in New York, a publication that Spillane calls a standard fixture of the trade for several years after 1790, successor to the short-lived American Musical Magazine. Alexander Anderson's 1792 diary records repeated dealings with Gilfert's establishment, including engraving work, buying a tuning-fork, and purchasing a violin bow. By 1795 Gilfert was advertising in partnership as Gilfert & Aspinwall at 207 Pearl Street, announcing consignments of patent pianofortes imported from London. Gilfert operated what Spillane identifies as the first legitimate pianoforte and music store in New York -- apart from the store associated with Campbell, whose early history he considers doubtful. Gilfert's establishment was already in business by 1786 and, per Spillane, remained a recognized name in New York's piano and music trade for many years afterward.

Highlights

• Operated what Spillane calls the first legitimate pianoforte and music store in New York, in business as early as 1786
• Published Gilfert's Musical Magazine, called a standard publication known for several years past 1790.
• By 1795 was advertising as Gilfert & Aspinwall, 207 Pearl Street, announcing consignments of patent pianofortes from London.
• Named among the earliest pianists and teachers 'identified' with the pianoforte in America, per Spillane's closing chapter

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 69, 100, 101, 362.

Public domain.