Besides the instruments of bygone days, Mr. Steinert has been able to
get original manuscripts, worth their weight in gold. It is a
fascinating character study to examine the scores of the old masters and
note the difference in style and method. For many years this man made
arduous tours with his instruments, giving lectures and illustrating
them with actual performance of the music on the instrument for which it
was composed. His only compensation was that he felt he was furthering
the true spirit of art and music in this the country of his adoption. In
his personal reminiscences published some years ago he says:

[Illustration: Piano made by Benjamin Crehore, Boston Cir. 1800]

"How dealers in pianos of this day must envy the manufacturers of the
good old times when they remember that then the would-be purchaser had
to look up the maker and court his pleasure. He had to sign a written
contract, the terms of which sound droll enough to us. The time limit
for construction was from six to twelve months and the payments were,
generally, so much cash, so many casks of wine, a certain amount of
corn, wheat, and potatoes, while geese, chickens, and turkeys
constituted some of the articles used in payment. Even a few cords of
wood would be acceptable in making up the balance. When the piano was
completed, ready for delivery at the home of the impatient purchaser, a
general festival took place. The maker was the hero of the hour. He
was accompanied by his craftsmen, and apprentices if he had any, and
they followed the gaily decorated wagon and horses which bore the
precious burden to its new home. A band of music headed the procession
and the maker was borne aloft on the shoulders of his assistants.
Musicians, organists, school masters, and other dignitaries marched in
the rear. At the place of destination the procession was received with
joyous shouts of welcome. The minister said a prayer and blessed the
instrument and its maker. Then the mayor or burgomaster delivered an
address, dwelling at length upon the importance of the event to the
whole community, stating that the coming of the new musical instrument
would raise the standing of the place in the eyes of the surrounding
countryside. Speeches followed by the school master, doctor, druggist,
and other officials. The mannechor of the village rendered songs, and
amid the strains from the band the piano was moved into place. A banquet
and dance closed the happy occasion