Belgian instrument maker Chris Maene builds new piano for Daniel Barenboim
Dit is een gearchiveerd bericht
29.05.2015
Conceived and commissioned by Barenboim himself the Barenboim-Maene piano was developed and built by esteemed Belgian instrument maker Chris Maene, with support from Steinway & Sons.
While it does not differ significantly in looks from a modern concert
grand, most of its components – including the braces, the soundboard,
the cast-iron frame, the bass strings, the keyboard and action – have
been specially-designed and tailor made and the positioning of others,
such as the hammers and strings is radically different.
Barenboim was inspired to create a new piano after playing Franz Liszt’s restored grand piano during a trip to Siena in September 2011. Struck by the vital differences in sound of an instrument constructed with straight, parallel strings rather than the diagonal crossed ones of a contemporary instrument, he set out to create a brand new instrument that combines the best of the old and the new and offers a real alternative for pianists and music-lovers in the 21st century.
Barenboim discussed his idea with Steinway & Sons who introduced him to Chris Maene, who had also wanted to create a brand new instrument inspired by the past, and the two maestri were able to combine their respective musical and technical expertise to begin work on their shared vision. Just 15 months ago, Barenboim’s personal technician Michel Brandjes tested several 19th-century historic grand pianos from Chris Maene’s collection and some of the remarkable replicas made by him. His findings and reflections on the sound of technical aspects of the instruments were discussed with Barenboim who then commissioned Maene to work a detailed concept for the new instrument which was then developed, constructed and tested.
The new piano was unveiled at a special event at London's Royal Festival Hall on 26 May by Chris Maene and Daniel Barenboim themselves.
More info:
www.chrismaene.be
Verwante items in de databank
| Personen/groepen: | Chris Maene (instrumentenbouwer) |
|---|---|
| Organisaties: | Piano's Maene (instrumentenbouwer, muziekinstrumentenwinkel, instrumentenstemmer & onderhoud, muziekorganisaties) |
Trefwoorden: muziekinstrumenten
