BuildersBreed blok
Breed blok
In the four big cities where it all began, Leipzig, Vienna, Paris and London, classical music reigned supreme. These four cities were at the cradle of the great grand piano builders. Countless famous musicians composed their biggest works here, and each of them had their own preferences for the sound of an instrument. Where one would prefer clarity, another would value deep bass tones. Grand pianos were built in collaboration with these genius talented artists. Each instrument with its own characteristic sound and feel; lightness of touch, warmth of sound, clarity of tone.
BechsteinBreed blok
C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG, Bechstein in short, was established in Berlin, Germany in the year 1853 by Carl Bechstein, at the time its sole proprietor. Breed blok
In 1856, 3 years after starting his business, he built his first concert grand piano. This grand piano was given the serial number 100, which should not be possible considering the production numbers. It is not known what his motives were for this, whether for cosmetic reasons or as a cunning business move. Whatever the motive might have been, it worked out well for him, as he managed to enthuse well-known pianist Hans von Bülow, pupil and son in law of Franz Liszt, for his grand piano.
more images
BlüthnerBreed blok
The Blüthner factory was established in November 1853 in Leipzig, Saksen by Julius Blüthner. Leipzig, alongside Paris, London and Vienna, at the time formed the epicentre of the European music culture. Breed blok
In 1956 the Blüthner-Patentmechanism was brought to market, a spring mechanism which made the pianos lighter to play. Blüthners most important invention however is the 1873 Aliquot system. This Aliquot system was presented at the 1876 World Expo in Philadelphia, where it was awarded a gold medal.
more images
BösendorferBreed blok
The Bösendorfer factory was established in Vienna in July 1828 by Ignaz Bösendorfer. He invested 500 guilders in the company, which he left to his son in 1859 at a value of 145.000 guilders.Breed blok
In 1867 Bösendorfer participated in the World Expo in Paris. For him as well, this was a way for his instruments to rise to international fame. Austrian empress Elisabeth, also known as “Sissi”, was so impressed that she ordered a Bösendorfer grand piano as a personal gift to French empress Eugenie.
more images
SauterBreed blok
Sauter’s history begins with Johan Grimm, a young carpenters apprentice form Spaichingen who felt an attraction to the music culture. He travelled to Vienna in 1813 where he started a piano builders apprenticeship with Johan Andreas Streicher and his wife Nanette Stein. Ludwig von Beethoven bought his first instruments from the couple and was considered a close friend. Streicher also taught the piano to Amadeus Mozart’s son. This provided a perfect breeding ground for Johan Grimm to learn the trade.Breed blok
more images
SchimmelBreed blok
German piano factory Schimmel was established in Leipzig in 1885 by furniture builder Wilhelm Schimmel. He trained to be a piano builder in the famous Stichel piano factory. Schimmel began building upright pianos, adding grand pianos to his repertoire in 1892. He offered his clientele a great variety of models that were technically very advanced. Due to its great success, to facilitate expansion, the company relocated many times. This success also earned Schimmel the title of purveyor to the court. Breed blok
more images
SteinwayBreed blok
Steinway & Sons originates in 1839 in Seesen, Germany, established by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, a furniture and instrument builder. Heinrich emigrated in 1850 with his family to the United States of America in search of a better life. Son Christian Friedrich Theodore stayed behind to run his fathers business. He, along with Friedrich Grotrian and two employees, continued building pianos. Eventually he sold his shares to Wilhelm Grotrian in 1865 in order to follow his family abroad. After the other owners sold their shares as well, the company continued under the name Grotrian-Steinweg.Breed blok
more images