Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach, enjoyed a celebrated career in London as a composer and keyboard virtuoso. He wrote numerous works for the pianoforte, which was then still a relatively new instrument. The Bach Archive has now acquired a rare square piano bearing Johann Christian Bach’s signature. Built in London by Zumpe & Buntebart in 1772, the instrument is signed and dated 1773 by Bach on its soundboard.
London was one of the leading centres of square-piano making. Johann Christian Bach maintained close business relationships with almost all the city’s foremost piano makers and played a major role in establishing the instrument’s popularity. At the makers’ request, he frequently signed square pianos to help promote their sale. Just five such instruments are known to survive worldwide – and the example presented here is the only one in Germany on public display.
From 4 December 2026, the square piano will be on permanent display in the Treasure Room of the Bach Museum, accompanied by a multimedia station and recordings demonstrating its sound.
The conservation and presentation of the instrument were made possible with the generous support of the Rudolf August Oetker Foundation.
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