For the Love of Bechsteins…

23Apr09

piano dating to 1800's, completely restored

When I see an old Bechstein, I smile. There is something about these pianos that is special. Sure, Steinways are almost universally recognized as the ‘best’ – and don’t get me wrong, I can still remember the first time I played my university professor’s short production concert Steinway…it was so beautiful I could hardly make it through the Ravel piece I had just played 10 minutes ago in a recital! But I digress. While a Steinway may always be the icon of piano perfection, Bechsteins, and I am speaking of those from circa 1900-1920, to me symbolise everything that makes you fall in love with the piano. The warm tone, the old ivory keys, the lovely action – you can’t help but enjoy playing a Bechstein.

We just received this Rosewood grand piano into the shop, and it is one of the oldest I’ve seen restored. I’m partial to woods with a lighter colour, but this piano reminds me of the old upright grand on which I learned how to play as a child, and I’m enjoying having it here!