Anton Walter in Vienna

music sample:
Joseph Haydn, Sonata F major Hob. XVI/23, Moderato
played by Christoph Hammer
Instrument: grand piano by Anton Walter 1782

Anton Walter (1752 – 1826) was the leading piano maker in Vienna at the time when Mozart lived there. His instruments were in high esteem and according to his contemporaries were numerously imitated, especially as he had trained a considerable number of piano makers in his workshop. Walter followed Stein's examples, but with distinct individual elements. Piano making in German territories had not come to a standstill with Stein; from this standard an era of refinements and developments began. Anton Walter focussed intensively on action by further changes in capsules, shape and axle bearings of hammers or escapements. So over time Walter's instruments can be distinguished from each other in many small details showing that Walter even after decades found parts which could be further improved.

His instruments are closely linked to the flourishing of piano compositions of classical music in Vienna. His were the favourite instruments for the needs of piano virtuosos in Vienna, combining an easy-going action with powerful sound particularly preferred for public concerts. Mozart had a Walter grand (today in Salzburg) with additional pedal attachment (lost), Haydn one by a Walter pupil and Beethoven used Walter instruments (among others') while in Vienna. Schubert had a Walter square piano and therefore Walter can be considered rightfully one of the most important personalities "in the background" of classical and romantical piano music until about 1820.