Grand Piano
After Carl Bechstein's death in 1900, his sons took over the operations and production would reach its height in the 1910s, when the company produced approximately five thousand pianos a year. The Bechstein grand piano at Trident Studios in London became a famed instrument in its own right and was used on many important rock and pop recordings. That Bechstein piano was used on several Beatles songs, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," and Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," among others.
The Met's example is dated to around 1893 based on its serial number. The instrument has a beautiful rosewood case with turned legs. Its length and case style are consistent with the Bechstein Model IV (approximately 7 ft 2 in.). The instrument was restored to playing condition at the time of its acquisition by the Museum, including with the addition of synthetic natural keys.
Technical description:
Rosewood case with new plastic-type finish, on 3 octagonal tapered legs with turned collars and casters, standard AAA-c5 keyboard with new synthetic natural key covers and old ebony accidental blocks 2 pedals in columnar lyre; 12 copper-wound unisons, 8 similar bichords, remainder triple-strung, scrollwork music rack
Artwork Details
- Title: Grand Piano
- Maker: Carl Bechstein (Gotha 1826–1900 Berlin)
- Date: ca. 1893
- Geography: Berlin, Germany
- Culture: German
- Medium: Wood, metal, various materials
- Dimensions: L. 219.5 cm (86-1/2 in.); W. 153.8 cm (60-5/8 in.); H. 99.5 cm including lid (39 in.); D. of case 35.5 cm w/o lid (14 in.); 3-octave span 49.2 cm (19-3/8 in.)
- Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
- Credit Line: Gift of Schonberger Family Foundation, 1993
- Object Number: 1993.292
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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