Rudolf Ibach

Biography

Rudolf Ibach took over the family firm at only 20 years of age upon the death of his father, Carl Rudolf Ibach, in 1863, changing the firm name to Rudolf Ibach Sohn. Once he found his bearings he inaugurated an aggressive campaign of expansion; an exceptionally strong and artistic character with commercial keenness and daring, he brought astounding results, requiring the factory to be enlarged to meet growing demand. His extensive travels brought him into contact with leading musicians and composers, and being himself magnetic and interesting, he drew others to him; Richard Wagner honored him by dedicating a signed, life-size photograph in 1882 with an inscription thanking his 'friendly tone-helper.' Liszt and other virtuosos played Ibach grands. Not satisfied to serve art alone, Rudolf Ibach launched competitions in 1883 and 1891 inviting Germany's leading architects to submit designs for artistic piano cases, awarding cash prizes and influencing other makers to follow suit. He also sent his younger brother Walter abroad to study rival makers' methods. Rudolf Ibach died at the early age of 49 on July 31, 1892, his business carried on by his sons under the guidance of his uncle Walter Ibach.

Highlights

• Took charge of the Ibach firm at age 20 upon his father's death in 1863 and renamed it Rudolf Ibach Sohn
• Richard Wagner dedicated a signed photograph to him in 1882 as his 'friendly tone-helper'
• Ran competitions in 1883 and 1891 for artistic piano-case designs among Germany's leading architects

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 225.

Public domain.