Perzina
Encyclopedia
Perzina was a German piano
maker. The company was founded in 1871 in Schwerin
, in the north of Germany
. By Julius and Albert Perzina. Production now is located in China.
begins on July 1, 1871. on that day Julius and Albert Perzina opened their shop in Schwerin
. This small, yet pleasant town was then home to some 40.000 people. It was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
, in the north of Germany
. A lake emphaises Schwerin’s beauty. More lakes surround it and just beyond the perimeter a magnificent 19th century Castle guards the town. In 1910 the court pianist, Ida Sothmann, played her Perzina Piano here. By 1919 , in turbulent times, the grand Dukes Relinquished their power. In 1871 Julius and Albert were in their late twenties. They were the sons of a Saxon
piano builder and wanted to continue their father’s work. The Perzina brothers followed training rooted in the rich traditions of centuries, receiving thorough training in all skills needed to build the perfect instrument. During these Apprentice years, spent travelling and learning, they worked in many shops as journeyman and assistants, the best known of them being the factory of the famous Carl Bechstein
.
On July 1, 1871 they proudly painted ‘’Gebrüder Perzina’’ (Perzina Brothers) on the dilapidated gable of an old piano factory in Schwerin
. It was no more than a large workshop where the Perzina brothers went to work with 12 craftsmen. The process was purely according to traditional methods and completely manual, from the refined woodwork to the casting of the frames. In the first year of the operation 20 pianos were produced. In those days there were almost 500 piano
factories all over Germany
of which no less than 150 were in Berlin
. During the first Decades of the Twentieth century, most of these companies perished. But Perzina survived.
and the first German Kaiser. The long awaited unity was a strong impulse to the economy. Tolls and tariffs that existed between those German states were abandoned. In German history these years are called ‘’Gründerjahre’’, the years of foundation, when many companies were founded. This was the first version of what the world was later to recognize as the German ‘’economic miracle’’ .the profits benefited the commoners - compared with countries going though transition- who spend more money on housing, furniture, travel, entertainment and culture. Fathers and mothers wanted to learn how to play, and let their children take piano lessons. The piano took its important place in the average household as an instrument and a piece of furniture. The Perzina brothers profited from this situation, and did so shrewdly, for they combined their vast technical knowledge with a distinct feeling for style and quality. Their piano had to have an outstanding sound, beautiful design and be able to offer pleasure to generations for a sensible price. The company has remained faithful to the formula stated by the brothers Perzina some 130 years ago.
granted the Perzina the title: ‘’piano supplier to the court. Other nobles were soon to follow: Queen Wilhelmina
of the Netherlands
joined the Dukes of Oldenburg
, Anhalt then married to Hendrik of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
. In 1906 she chose Perzina to become the Royal Piano factory. The old sales prospectus and catalogues of the company mention many European Royals and hundreds of other who frankly and abundantly expressed their complete satisfaction with the Perzina product. Among them are many professional musicians, conservatory professors, piano teacher, art critics and piano dealers. The director of the Royal Dutch Opera wrote of Perzina in 1900: ‘’The Perzina pianos distinguish themselves through their remarkably beautiful tone and sound. They are very pleasant to play and are of sound and solid construction. The prices of these instruments are moreover much lower than that of the other first-class pianos. I can hence, with full conviction, warmly recommend ‘’the Perzina piano’’. Also French and English musicians gave enthusiastic recommendations. A music critic wrote about Perzina: ‘’Solid, precise, excellent mechanism, melodious’’.
Such recommendations came from many cities and countries in Europe and beyond: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Constantinople, Cape Town, London, Madrid, Paris and Vienna.
, a son in law of Julius Perzina. Between 1897 and 1917 he was the owner and manager. What started with a production of 20 pianos in1871 had flourished to 1000 in 1910. Perzina had its own steam-driven sawmill
, there were branches all over Germany and Europe and a world spanning distribution network was established. Customers in Asia, South America and Australia were gladly served. The export to the wide tableau covering all kinds of pianos in many types and colors. There were also electric pianos (pianolas), and of course the Grand Production of Perzina Grand Pianos Started in 1905. Just like the uprights, the grand pianos easily found their way to concert halls, conservatories and music lovers.
Today, Perzina pianos are manufactured in China.
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
maker. The company was founded in 1871 in Schwerin
Schwerin
Schwerin is the capital and second-largest city of the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The population, as of end of 2009, was 95,041.-History:...
, in the north of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. By Julius and Albert Perzina. Production now is located in China.
Origins
The history of the Perzina PianoPiano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
begins on July 1, 1871. on that day Julius and Albert Perzina opened their shop in Schwerin
Schwerin
Schwerin is the capital and second-largest city of the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The population, as of end of 2009, was 95,041.-History:...
. This small, yet pleasant town was then home to some 40.000 people. It was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Mecklenburg-Schwerin was a duchy in northern Germany created in 1348, when Albert II of Mecklenburg and his younger brother John were raised to Dukes of Mecklenburg by King Charles IV...
, in the north of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. A lake emphaises Schwerin’s beauty. More lakes surround it and just beyond the perimeter a magnificent 19th century Castle guards the town. In 1910 the court pianist, Ida Sothmann, played her Perzina Piano here. By 1919 , in turbulent times, the grand Dukes Relinquished their power. In 1871 Julius and Albert were in their late twenties. They were the sons of a Saxon
Saxony
The Free State of Saxony is a landlocked state of Germany, contingent with Brandenburg, Saxony Anhalt, Thuringia, Bavaria, the Czech Republic and Poland. It is the tenth-largest German state in area, with of Germany's sixteen states....
piano builder and wanted to continue their father’s work. The Perzina brothers followed training rooted in the rich traditions of centuries, receiving thorough training in all skills needed to build the perfect instrument. During these Apprentice years, spent travelling and learning, they worked in many shops as journeyman and assistants, the best known of them being the factory of the famous Carl Bechstein
Bechstein
Bechstein is a surname and may refer to:*Johann Matthäus Bechstein , a German naturalist and forester.*Ludwig Bechstein , a German writer....
.
On July 1, 1871 they proudly painted ‘’Gebrüder Perzina’’ (Perzina Brothers) on the dilapidated gable of an old piano factory in Schwerin
Schwerin
Schwerin is the capital and second-largest city of the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The population, as of end of 2009, was 95,041.-History:...
. It was no more than a large workshop where the Perzina brothers went to work with 12 craftsmen. The process was purely according to traditional methods and completely manual, from the refined woodwork to the casting of the frames. In the first year of the operation 20 pianos were produced. In those days there were almost 500 piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
factories all over Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
of which no less than 150 were in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
. During the first Decades of the Twentieth century, most of these companies perished. But Perzina survived.
Men and circumstance
The success story of Perzina can be traced to certain people and circumstances. In 1871 the many independent nations of Germany were united under the iron rule of chancellor. Otto von BismarckOtto von Bismarck
Otto Eduard Leopold, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg , simply known as Otto von Bismarck, was a Prussian-German statesman whose actions unified Germany, made it a major player in world affairs, and created a balance of power that kept Europe at peace after 1871.As Minister President of...
and the first German Kaiser. The long awaited unity was a strong impulse to the economy. Tolls and tariffs that existed between those German states were abandoned. In German history these years are called ‘’Gründerjahre’’, the years of foundation, when many companies were founded. This was the first version of what the world was later to recognize as the German ‘’economic miracle’’ .the profits benefited the commoners - compared with countries going though transition- who spend more money on housing, furniture, travel, entertainment and culture. Fathers and mothers wanted to learn how to play, and let their children take piano lessons. The piano took its important place in the average household as an instrument and a piece of furniture. The Perzina brothers profited from this situation, and did so shrewdly, for they combined their vast technical knowledge with a distinct feeling for style and quality. Their piano had to have an outstanding sound, beautiful design and be able to offer pleasure to generations for a sensible price. The company has remained faithful to the formula stated by the brothers Perzina some 130 years ago.
Enthusiastic users
The Perzina piano was received well. Many players and listeners paid the builders compliments. Exhibitions brought many medals in precious metals, diplomas and other paraphernalia. Wherever the Perzina piano was heard it received enthusiastic approval. Royal recognition came in the archduke of Mecklenburg-SchwerinMecklenburg-Schwerin
Mecklenburg-Schwerin was a duchy in northern Germany created in 1348, when Albert II of Mecklenburg and his younger brother John were raised to Dukes of Mecklenburg by King Charles IV...
granted the Perzina the title: ‘’piano supplier to the court. Other nobles were soon to follow: Queen Wilhelmina
Wilhelmina of the Netherlands
Wilhelmina was Queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1890 to 1948. She ruled the Netherlands for fifty-eight years, longer than any other Dutch monarch. Her reign saw World War I and World War II, the economic crisis of 1933, and the decline of the Netherlands as a major colonial...
of the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
joined the Dukes of Oldenburg
Oldenburg
Oldenburg is an independent city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated in the western part of the state between the cities of Bremen and Groningen, Netherlands, at the Hunte river. It has a population of 160,279 which makes it the fourth biggest city in Lower Saxony after Hanover, Braunschweig...
, Anhalt then married to Hendrik of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Hendrik of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin , later Prince Henry of the Netherlands, was prince consort of the Netherlands as the husband of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands...
. In 1906 she chose Perzina to become the Royal Piano factory. The old sales prospectus and catalogues of the company mention many European Royals and hundreds of other who frankly and abundantly expressed their complete satisfaction with the Perzina product. Among them are many professional musicians, conservatory professors, piano teacher, art critics and piano dealers. The director of the Royal Dutch Opera wrote of Perzina in 1900: ‘’The Perzina pianos distinguish themselves through their remarkably beautiful tone and sound. They are very pleasant to play and are of sound and solid construction. The prices of these instruments are moreover much lower than that of the other first-class pianos. I can hence, with full conviction, warmly recommend ‘’the Perzina piano’’. Also French and English musicians gave enthusiastic recommendations. A music critic wrote about Perzina: ‘’Solid, precise, excellent mechanism, melodious’’.
Such recommendations came from many cities and countries in Europe and beyond: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Constantinople, Cape Town, London, Madrid, Paris and Vienna.
Expansion
In those days the company letterhead stated ‘’The Largest Piano Factory in Northern Germany’’. Around 1900 the company expanded rapidly. This was mostly the work of Daniel HussDaniel Huss
Daniel Huss is a Luxembourgian footballer who currently plays as a striker for CS Grevenmacher in Luxembourg's domestic National Division.-Club career:...
, a son in law of Julius Perzina. Between 1897 and 1917 he was the owner and manager. What started with a production of 20 pianos in1871 had flourished to 1000 in 1910. Perzina had its own steam-driven sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
, there were branches all over Germany and Europe and a world spanning distribution network was established. Customers in Asia, South America and Australia were gladly served. The export to the wide tableau covering all kinds of pianos in many types and colors. There were also electric pianos (pianolas), and of course the Grand Production of Perzina Grand Pianos Started in 1905. Just like the uprights, the grand pianos easily found their way to concert halls, conservatories and music lovers.
Innovation and tradition
The turnaround of 1990 re-united the German People once again. Free enterprise got the chance to rebuild the East. The ‘’Deutsche Treuhand Anstalt ’’. Responsible for the organization of the economic transition, looked to the west for new investors for the Perzina asset. This was a unique opportunity for a group of investors with a long established experience in the production and trade of pianos. The company was reorganized with the principles and values of the Perzina brothers in mind, and again experienced international success. The production process has been thoroughly modernized. Thus a young Chinese-Made Perzina, with a name only 130 years old, is now available again. All over the world piano’s wearing their ‘’Gebrüder Perzina-signature’’, are once again heard.Today, Perzina pianos are manufactured in China.