The big batch of six German harpsichords were in their next phase: soundboards in and those with paintings by Sheridan Germann ready to go. The one with the parrot is a mixture of styles, but justified by its beauty. Our second group of Schantz pianos were on their way out as well, one going to the University of California at Santa Cruz. This was the first instrument the shop had to crate and air freight for delivery; everything so far had been driveable in the eastern half of the country. They even flew us out to see that everything arrived in good condition and to instruct the piano technicians. Fortepianos were still a new frontier!
Looking ahead, a bigger fortepiano was on our horizon: Duke University had ordered a 6-octave instrument suitable for early 19th-century repertoire. This was another whole octave with many new construction and musical finishing techniques. Finding ourselves in deeper piano waters than ever anticipated, it was time to hire someone with more experience in this arena. Our advertisement brought another full-time employee: David Doremus, who finished first in his class at the North Bennet St. school in Boston, joined the shop in the spring.
Meanwhile, the clavichord Chris Hogwood had ordered in 1985 was finished just in time for the upcoming CPE Bach anniversary in 1988. One of its early concerts was in the perfect setting of the music room at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.
