Naples, Italy – A fascinating, yet largely unknown, chapter of Neapolitan musical history is being brought to light at the Naples State Archive. An exhibition, titled ‘Pianos in Naples in the Nineteenth Century,’ opening today, Wednesday, April 15th, at 5:00 PM in the Filangieri hall, highlights the city’s significant role as a piano manufacturing hub during the 1800s.
Naples: A Thriving Center of Piano Production
Musicologist Francesca Seller will present her extensive research, revealing a remarkable statistic: approximately 160 piano makers were active in Naples from the first half of the 19th century until the Unification of Italy. This figure challenges the perception of Naples as a peripheral city in the European musical manufacturing landscape, instead portraying it as a vibrant center characterized by a widespread artisanal culture and a lively internal market.
Alongside renowned names associated with sophisticated instruments for concert halls, such as Sievers, numerous artisan workshops flourished. Lesser-known cabinetmakers and builders met a growing demand for instruments, contributing to the widespread diffusion of the piano not only among aristocratic circles but also within the middle classes and private salons.
A Rich Musical Life Across Social Strata
Seller’s research paints a picture of a widespread and capillary production system, reflecting an intense and socially transversal musical life. Theaters, concert halls, and private homes became venues for a broad musical practice, establishing Naples as one of the leading centers in Southern Italy for the circulation and consumption of music.
During the event, original documents preserved by the State Archive, which formed the basis of Seller’s research, will be on display. These documents offer direct access to primary sources and their historical stratification, providing tangible evidence of Naples’ rich piano-making heritage.
Musical Interludes and Expert Introductions
The research presentation will be complemented by musical performances from pianist Sara Amoresano. Her program will feature a diverse selection of 19th-century repertoire, including Giuseppe Giaquinto’s ‘Quintiglia’ from the ballet ‘Tikke-Tak,’ performed at the San Carlo in 1866; Ludwig van Beethoven’s Bagatelles Op. 126; and Franz Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 142 No. 2.
The meeting will be introduced by Ferdinando Salemme and Giuliana Ricciardi. The ‘A carte scoperte’ series, conceived by Francesco Cotticelli, Paologiovanni Maione, Giuliana Ricciardi, Ferdinando Salemme, and Michela Ventriglia, is curated by the archivists of the Naples State Archive. This series aims to promote research based on the institution’s documentary heritage.
The Naples State Archive: A Treasure Trove of History
The Naples State Archive, established in 1808 by Giuseppe Bonaparte, preserves one of Europe’s most important documentary collections, with holdings spanning over twelve centuries of Southern Italian history. Admission to the exhibition is free until all available seats are taken.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into a significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of Naples’ cultural past, highlighting its crucial role in the development and dissemination of piano music during the 19th century.
