Henri Joseph Van Casteel

Place: Tournai

Born: 1722

Death: 1790

Biography:

Henri-Joseph van Casteel was a Belgian instrument maker of the 18th century. He was born in Tournai, Belgium in 1722 and died in Brussels, Belgium in 1790. Van Casteel worked as an instrument maker between about 1757 and 1769 in Portugal, where he built one of the rarest original pianofortes that survived until today. He is also known for building a late 18th century pyramid piano, which is currently housed at the Musée des Instruments de Musique in Brussels. Van Casteel's work reflects his experience as an instrument maker and his exposure to different musical styles during his time in Portugal.