Mathias Ferdinand Rachals

Biography

Named after his grandfather, this Mathias Ferdinand Rachals was born in Bremen, Germany, on June 4, 1837. He learned piano making in his father's shop and afterward studied in the leading factories of Paris, London, and Zürich. He possessed, per the text, a most artistic temperament: he played the piano to perfection and enjoyed practicing on brass instruments, playing classic quartets with friends for his own amusement. He managed the family business ably until his death on April 24, 1902, when he was succeeded by his son, Adolf Ferdinand Rachals. A portrait of him accompanies the text. Mathias Ferdinand Rachals was born at Mitau on June 3, 1801, and studied piano making with Brix of St. Petersburg and Sachsossky of Cassel before commencing business in Hamburg in 1832. His pianos were of the highest order, and he was especially successful in constructing a detachable piano for tropical countries. He died September 6, 1866, and was succeeded by his son, Eduard Ferdinand Rachals. His grandson, also named Mathias Ferdinand Rachals, later continued the family firm.

Highlights

• Born at Mitau June 3, 1801; studied with Brix of St. Petersburg and Sachsossky of Cassel
• Especially successful in constructing a detachable piano suited for tropical countries
• Began making pianos in Hamburg in 1832; died September 6, 1866
• Born in Bremen, Germany, on June 4, 1837, sharing his grandfather's name; learned piano making in his father's shop and studied further in Paris, London, and Zürich
• Possessed an artistic temperament, playing piano to perfection and practicing chamber music on brass instruments with friends
• Died April 24, 1902, succeeded by his son Adolf Ferdinand Rachals

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 232, 233.

Public domain.