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THE HISTORY OF THE PIANOS AT TIPPET RISE
Seraphina has been captivating living-room audiences ever since the turn of the century. This piano’s story begins on November 4, 1897, when it was sold to a Mrs. J.C.C. Thorton of New York City. Historical records are sparse, but we can speculate that the instrument entertained in private recitals at Mrs. Thorton’s mansion, which overlooked the southern end of Central Park. In the 1950s, Seraphina relocated to another domestic parlor in the city of Northport, Long Island. In this quiet seaside neighborhood, Seraphina was the family piano for two generations of the Lauer family.
After more than 100 years in New York, Seraphina moved yet again, this time trading ocean breezes for mountain air. Piano technician Tali Mahanor discovered Seraphina on an eBay listing, puchased and restored the instrument, and sent it out to Tippet Rise. Outfitted with replacement strings, a new soundboard, a fresh lacquer finish, and
period-style legs, Seraphina arrived at Tippet Rise in nearly new condition. Only its original rim, metal plate, and ivory and ebony keys hint at its deeper history.
Seraphina’s beauty extends beyond its elegant appearance. Though the exact nature of complex sound is hard to pinpoint, artists are drawn to the broad spectrum of its rich orchestral overtones. The piano’s 120-year-old voice sings to jazz— with intricate, earthy tones. Underneath the vast Montana skies, Seraphina’s music seems to draw inspiration from the landscape itself.
Recent performances include summer recitals by Jenny Chen, Jeffrey Kahane, George Li, and Pedja Muzijevic. Seraphina is also featured in a studio recording of Aaron Jay Kernis’s 2017 Commission First Club Date.
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