Objekt 12
Pianino with Jankó and normal keyboard (pivoting), Berlin, between 1908-1910
Description
This instrument has it all: the entire keyboard mechanism can be reversed in a few simple steps. You can either play with the keyboard that has been established since the 15th century or with the reform keyboard designed by mathematician Paul von Jankó in 1882. The reform keyboard was designed to better meet the ergonomic needs of the human hand. To this end, the keys were rearranged and doubled. In addition, it should be possible to reach any key with the same fingering to make transposing easier. Despite these advantages, the Jankó keyboard did not catch on. Probably too many hands had already become accustomed to the "normal" keyboard.
Object description
Carl Goetze company
Berlin, between 1908-10
Range A2-c5 (88 keys)
Gift of Dr. Hansjakob von Matt, Zurich
Inv. no. 1980.75.