3 NOVEMBER 1860, Page 21

FIRST NOTICE OF THE PIANOFORTE. IN ENGLAND.—We have evidence that

the pianoforte was known in England about 1767, as it was introduced that year on the stage of Covent Garden Theatre, as "a new instrument." An old play-bill, in the possession of Messrs. Itroadwood, bearing date the 16th of .May, 1767, setting forth the performenee of The Beggar's Opera, contains the following notification—" End of Act 1, Miss Brickler will sing a favourite song from Judith, accompanied by Mr. Dibdin, on a new in- strument called Pianoforte." Backers, a German, is supposed to have been the first who manufactured the pianoforte to any considerable extent in Eng- land, and the name-board of a elan°, inscribed " Americus Backers, Factor et Inventor, Jermyn Street, London, 1776," is atilt in existence.—Builder.