Theodore Steinway

Biography

Theodore Steinway, uncle of Frederick T. Steinway, conducted experiments to determine the proper alloy of ore for the modern piano plate, in which effort Frederick's training in metallurgy proved valuable. He also discovered that his nephew Henry Ziegler showed decided genius as an independent thinker and creator, and induced him to leave cabinet-making to become his pupil in piano construction. From 1875 until Theodore's death in 1889, Ziegler received his daily instruction, and Theodore unhesitatingly declared that he considered Ziegler his worthy successor in every respect. The text credits Theodore Steinway with fundamental innovations in piano construction upon which Ziegler's subsequent work was built. He is referred to as 'that great master.' Theodore Steinway is described in the introductory passage as having pressed science into service and developed the piano to its utmost possibilities regarding volume, tone production, and durability, as demonstrated in his Centennial Concert Grand Pianos. The text notes that at the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876 it seemed as if the acme of piano construction had been reached, crediting his work as central to that achievement. He is placed in a line of great inventors and constructors alongside Cristofori and Sebastian Erard. No dates or further personal biographical detail are given in this passage. Theodore Steinway, son of Henry Engelhardt Steinway, attended the Jacobsohn College along with his brother William. Within the family firm he was responsible for building the pianos while William handled selling them. In recognition of the house's contributions to art and industry, he was elected a member of the Societies of Art of Berlin, Paris, and Stockholm. He later trained Henry Ziegler, who succeeded him in charge of the construction department.

Highlights

• Built the pianos while brother William handled sales
• Elected member of the Societies of Art of Berlin, Paris, and Stockholm
• Mentor of Henry Ziegler, later head of the construction department
• Pressed science into service to develop the piano's volume, tone, and durability
• Demonstrated advances with his Centennial Concert Grand Pianos at the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition
• Conducted experiments to find the proper alloy of ore for the modern piano plate, assisted by his nephew Frederick T. Steinway
• Discovered Henry Ziegler's genius and made him his personal pupil in piano construction from 1875 until his death in 1889
• Declared Henry Ziegler his worthy successor; Ziegler's later work built upon his 'fundamental innovations'

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 308, 312; Vol. II (1913), pp. 181, 182.

Public domain.