I recently purchased a very old opera booklet from the Bostonians Opera that dates back to 1889.
The most interesting part about it is that it contains a Knabe advertisement on the back, as shown above, with a beautiful piano etching done by Allen Eng. and a reproduction of a recommendation letter by Hans von Bulow.
When I first purchased it, I did not know that the letter was printed on the back of the advertisement page. After spending some time deciphering his handwriting, I was able to read its content. It reads:
"The Knabe pianos which I did not know before have been chosen for any present concert tour in the United States by my Impresario and accepted by me on the recommendation of my friend Bechstein acquainted with their merits. Had I known these pianos as now I do I would have chosen them by myself as their sound and touch are more sympathetic to my ears and hands than all others of the country.
New York 6th April 1889
Dr. Hans von Bulow
To the William Knabe and Co."
This letter and an advertisement were created about a century from today.
The proud grand piano shown is no longer for sale, nor does its maker exist.
Time is a cruel thief.
