Building bridges – Christian Friedrich Theodor Steinweg (1825–1889)

While the rest of the family started a new life for themselves in New York, Theodor Steinweg (1825–1889) was the only one to stay behind in Seesen: A health issue prevented him from joining the American adventure, so he continued his father’s business under his own name at home. Despite the big distance, Theodor stayed in close touch with his parents and siblings. Apart from private matters, their correspondence also served for animated discussions about details of piano making. Instruments, material and machinery constantly changed continents; at the end the two branches were inseparably linked with each other. For the development of piano making especially for Steinway & Sons, Theodor contributed in a crucial way: A large proportion of the patents registered for the company can be traced back to him.