Bösendorfer, c. 1828-1832, Vienna. Six and two thirds octaves, CC to g4. Ignaz Bösendorfer studied piano making under Joseph Brodmann, working his way up to shop foreman, and eventually taking over the firm when Brodmann retired. The name label on this piano says, "Ignaz Bösendorfer Brodmanns Schüler Bürger in Wien" ("Brodmann's pupil, respectable middle-class citizen of Vienna"). Since Bösendorfer is known to have become a "Bürger in Wien" in 1828, the piano cannot have been made before 1828. By 1832, Brodmann had retired, turning over the shop to Bösendorfer. Slightly later Bösendorfer piano labels say "vormals Brodmann" ("formerly Brodmann"), indicating that the transition to new ownership was complete. Brodmann may have retired gradually, phasing out his involvement with the shop over a period of months or years. Just when, between 1828 and 1832, the transition was complete, we have been unable to learn.

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