Heinrich Engelhard Steinway (February 6, 1797 – February 7, 1871) was a German-American piano maker and entrepreneur. He is best known for founding the renowned piano manufacturing company, Steinway & Sons.
Heinrich Engelhard Steinway was born in Germany, in the town of Wolfshagen, and he grew up in a family of instrument makers. He learned the art of piano making from his father and became skilled at crafting pianos with excellent tonal qualities and exceptional craftsmanship.
In 1850, Heinrich, along with his sons Charles, Henry, William, and Albert, immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. There, he established Steinway & Sons, which would soon become one of the most renowned piano companies in the world.
Under Heinrich's leadership, Steinway & Sons revolutionized piano making by pioneering numerous groundbreaking innovations. He introduced cross-stringing, a technique that improved the tonal quality of pianos, and was also instrumental in the development of the overstrung scale, which enhanced the richness and power of the instrument's sound.
Heinrich Engelhard Steinway's attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality set new standards in piano manufacturing. His relentless pursuit of perfection and dedication to achieving the purest sound possible earned him a reputation as a visionary in the industry.
Today, Heinrich Engelhard Steinway's legacy continues through the exceptional pianos created by Steinway & Sons. His passion for excellence and innovative spirit remain integral to the company's ongoing success, making Heinrich a respected figure in the history of piano making.
