![]() ![]() Between 18, Weber's pianos became popular in New York music circles. In 1869, Weber opened a large, luxurious showroom on 108 Fifth Avenue and 16th street in New York City. This was seen as a bold move by Weber's larger competitors, but it paid off, establishing the Weber brand as a premium product in the mind of customers. This new location became a "rendezvous of musical people" and Weber became wealthy. Weber's products were arguably some of the highest-quality pianos of their day, famous for fine materials and exacting attention to detail. Lacking a background in piano construction, Weber focused on proven methods of piano construction as opposed to innovative new ideas. Weber's pianos were also some of the most expensive of the day – the price of a Rococo Weber Grand Piano in 1874 was $1,400, approximately the cost of a large mansion. ![]() Weber Piano Fortes – 1860s Weber Square Piano AdvertisementĪs Weber's business grew, his pianos received recognition. The company received medals at the Philadelphia Worlds Fair (1876), the London World's Fair (1887) and the Paris World's Fair (1889). Weber also advertised his pianos aggressively, and is believed to have coined the term " Baby Grand" to describe a small grand piano. Weber was described as a skilled pianist, with genuine enthusiasm for music. He was well-educated and well-read, and was described as "a keen observer of men and things, a most interesting entertainer". Weber was also a socialite, founding the Arcadian Club in New York, as well as being a member of the Manhattan Club, the Palette Club, the Arion Society, and the Liederkranz Society. ![]() Īlbert Weber died relatively young, at the age of 50. Like many creative professionals, Weber was highly passionate about his work however, this came at a cost to his health. He worked long hours, and also attended opera, theaters, and clubs at night. Described as having a "Bohemian" temperament, it may be that Weber's health failed due to his hard work and restlessness, or it may that he taxed his body with various vices such as smoking and drinking. According to his obituary, he was ill for nearly a year before he died, with the final nine weeks being serious enough to cause him to withdraw from his business. Īt the time of his death, Weber lived at No. 32 West Nineteenth Street in New York, and his remains were interred at Green-Wood Cemetery. ![]()
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