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CONTEXT has at its disposal a vast and historically significant group of privately-owned, original and restored instruments. From the gut-strung strings to one of the most important collections of period pianos in the US, CONTEXT has been at the forefront of the period instrument revival movement. Many of these instruments have been preserved in their original, unaltered condition. Below are just some of the period instruments which star in CONTEXT concerts. STRINGS 1733 Sanctus Seraphin Violin – Made in the time of Vivaldi, this 270-year-old violin is the only known example of an 18th century Italian violin which has remained unaltered. 1819 Stoss Cello – Made in Vienna by Martin Stoss, this cello has remained in its original unaltered condition. 1820 Stoss Violin – Like its older brother, the Stoss cello, this violin also remains in its original unaltered condition. 1829 Sawicki Violin – Modeled after Paganini’s “Cannon” and possibly played by the virtuoso himself, Sergiu Luca discovered this rare violin, at a small auction in Paris that featured dusty, unremarkable instruments and old music stands. Except for the replacement of strings and a sound post, both of which are common in the maintenance of violins, this violin remains unchanged since it was last heard publicly in the 1870s. PIANOS 1810 Rosenberger Piano – Uncovered in a chicken coup in the Czech Republic, this piano was found in a horrible state-of-disrepair and has been painstakingly restored to its original condition (see below). 1825 Graf Piano – Nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty” by CONTEXT musicians, this wonderful piano was built in Vienna by Conrad Graf in 1825 and uncovered in virtually pristine condition in a Tuscan hideaway. This piano is one of a very few which has survived in its original unaltered condition. 1840 Bösendorfer Piano – “Boosetta,” as it is known to CONTEXT performers, was found masquerading as a plant stand in a Hungarian living room. Rings from flower vases are still visible on the cherry veneer. This is similar to the piano that composer Robert Schumann gave to his wife Clara as a wedding present in 1840. 1852 Bösendorfer Piano – “Boosey,” as it is affectionately known, is “Boosetta” younger brother. “Boosey” resembles his sister but has a distinct personality well-suited for Romantics such as Brahms. “Boosey” was also found in a Hungarian home.
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