Present. the Concert Grand of the 21st century. Introduction

Transcription

1 & Present the Concert Grand of the 21st century Introduction QUOTE: The warmth and tonal characteristics of the traditional straight-strung instruments is so different from the homogenous tone produced by the modern piano across its entire range. The clearly distinguishable voices and colour across its registers of Liszt s piano inspired me to explore the possibility of combining these qualities with the power, looks, evenness of touch, stability of tuning and other technical advantagesofthemodernpiano.iamsodelightedtohaveworkedwithchrismaene,whohadthesame dream and I must pay tribute to his incredible technical expertise and his deep respect for both tradition and innovation. I must also thank Steinways, whose pianos I will continue to use alongside this new alternative, for bringing us together and for delivering key components for our new instrument. It may not look that different, but its construction and sound possibilities make it a brand-new piano which I hope will be embracedbypianistsandmusic-loversasarealalternativeforthe21 st century. DANIEL BARENBOIM. Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 1

2 Sound degustation Whyis thisnew concept necessary? Chris Maene s story Daniel Barenboims story Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 2

3 1st statement : Actualconcept andsound grand piano defined1885. Steinway&Sons set the standard. Main innovation: cross stringing All manufacturers copied this Steinway succes-concept. As such: sound diversity disapeared Benefits straight strung piano were ignored 2nd statement : Most music played today = composed on straight strung pianos Chris Maene Idea fornew piano generatedby: These statements Unique expertise of Chris Maene in both historic and modern pianos Achievement: unique sound characteristics of historic instruments + advantages contemporary pianos Chris Maene A research project in collaboration with the IWT (Institute for Science and Technology) was established Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 3

4 Played Franz Liszt s original grand piano in Sienna(in 2011) Inspired by vital sound-differences of straight strung piano Lead to idea for a new piano-concept Daniel Barenboim Discussedhis ideawithsteinway, whointroducedhimtochris Maene Beginning 2013, first contact with concept of Chris Maene Daniel Barenboim Personal technician Michel Brandjes did research on historical instrumentsfromcollectionchris Maene Chris Maene explained his research and ideas End 2013 : official order commissioned by Maestro Barenboim Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 4

5 Maestro Barenboim is Steinway Artist Some components of Steinway& Sons wereintegrated: Continuous Rim Bending Keybed Hammerheads/schanks Jacks Capola Bell Collaboration with Steinway& Sons Collaboration with Steinway& Sons Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 5

6 Construction Key features Whatare the main technical differences comparedtothe contemporary Concert Grand? Straight Strings Construction Key features Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 6

7 Construction Key features Direction of the soundboard-veins Construction Key features 2 independent bridges on same height Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 7

8 Ribs and bracings Iron Frame Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 8

9 Hand polished soundboard and inner rim Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 9

10 Bass strings Strings are individually attached Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 10

11 Construction Key features Adjustable duplex Construction Key features The Keyboard Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 11

12 Exterior design Collaboration with design studio GBO Different casing, legs, musicrest, frame design, colours, etc. Elegant, slim design Construction Key features Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 12

13 The 3 hazen Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 13

14 Musical result& benefits More sound transparency in 3 registers (bass mid treble) More clear, diversifiedsound projection(alsoin large concert halls) Harmonic balance Positive power balance, also in the treble New expression possibilities Technical comfort of a contemporary Concert Grand Piano first public concerts The instrument was debuted on May in the Musikverein in Vienna by Maestro Daniel Barenboim Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 14

15 first public concerts FurtherconcertsbyDaniel Barenboim in Philharmonie Paris May first public concerts Royal Festival Hall Londen : May 26th : Press Conference Concerts on May and June 2nd, by Daniel Barenboim Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 15

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