Photograph of Henry Steinway by Matthew Brady
On this day, February 15th, 1797 in Wolfshagen, Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg was born in what is now Germany. By age 15 Steinway was an orphan, and joined the volunteer military to fight in the Napoleonic wars. After his military service he worked as a carpenter and eventually apprenticed to become an organ maker.
Gradually he learned to make a variety of instruments, building his first square piano in 1835. In 1851, he moved to New York City, and Anglicized his name to Henry Steinway. In 1853, he formed Steinway and Sons, with 4 of his sons (another son having already taken over his business in Germany).
This company went on to become one of the premier producers of high end and professional pianos in the world.
Henry Steinway died February 7, 1871.
Gradually he learned to make a variety of instruments, building his first square piano in 1835. In 1851, he moved to New York City, and Anglicized his name to Henry Steinway. In 1853, he formed Steinway and Sons, with 4 of his sons (another son having already taken over his business in Germany).
This company went on to become one of the premier producers of high end and professional pianos in the world.
Henry Steinway died February 7, 1871.
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