Jose Iturbi

[drednm]

Here's a grab from Holiday in Mexico (1946) showing Jose Iturbi playing a very bizarre piano. It seems to have an upright, external, upholstered soundboard. Iturbi played piano in silent movie houses in the teens. Interesting guy.

[s.w.a.c.]

They were called "giraffe pianos". Seems like they were all the rage in the 1800s.

[drednm]

They were called "giraffe pianos". Seems like they were all the rage in the 1800s.

Wow. Never heard of them before.... Thanks

[CoffeeDan]

Belle Watling has one of them in her parlor in GONE WITH THE WIND. I always thought it was a space-saving spinet.

[MoviecollectorOH]

A few years ago I was showing that movie to a few relatives who remembered the 1940s, around the time of that movie, quite well. Apparently those pianos weren't so unusual, there were still some of those around in people's houses back then.

[drednm]

A few years ago I was showing that movie to a few relatives who remembered the 1940s, around the time of that movie, quite well. Apparently those pianos weren't so unusual, there were still some of those around in people's houses back then.

Interesting.... Almost seems they would have been museum pieces even in the 1940s.

[Richard P. May]

Several years ago Iturbi's house in Beverly Hills was up for sale, and an open house was held. My wife and I went to see it. Fascinating! Not only decor by the legendary Elsie de Wolfe, but almost a piano in every room, including the bedrooms. It was on rather an immense lot. I don't remember the asking price. At this time, I don't know if it still exists, or if somebody with no sense of history might have torn it down.

[Brooksie]

Several years ago Iturbi's house in Beverly Hills was up for sale, and an open house was held. My wife and I went to see it. Fascinating! Not only decor by the legendary Elsie de Wolfe, but almost a piano in every room, including the bedrooms. It was on rather an immense lot. I don't remember the asking price. At this time, I don't know if it still exists, or if somebody with no sense of history might have torn it down.

This was a cause celebre at the time - Marlene Dietrich also lived in the house for many years and it was a real time capsule. It sold for north of $20 million; Google Maps suggests it is still there (or was as of December last year). There are some photos at https://la.curbed.com/2015/6/8/9951962/ ... elry-hills.