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(C) Chris Maene

Industriestraat 42, 8755 Ruiselede 1

Present

the Concert Grand

of the 21st century

&

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

advantages of the modern piano. I am so delighted to have worked with Chris Maene, who had the same

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

embraced by pianists and music-lovers as a real alternative for the 21st century.”

DANIEL BARENBOIM.

Introduction…

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Sound degustation…

• Chris Maene’s story…

Why is this new concept necessary ?

• Daniel Barenboims story…

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• 1st statement :

– Actual concept and sound grand piano defined 1885.

– 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 for new piano generated by :

– These statements

– Unique expertise of Chris Maene in both historic and modern pianos

• Achievement : unique sound characteristics of historic

instruments + advantages contemporary pianos

• A research project in collaboration with the IWT (Institute for

Science and Technology) was established

Chris Maene

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• 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

• Discussed his idea with Steinway, who introduced him to Chris

Maene

• Beginning 2013, first contact with concept of Chris Maene

Daniel Barenboim

• Personal technician Michel Brandjes did research on historical

instruments from collection Chris Maene

• Chris Maene explained his research and ideas

• End 2013 : official order commissioned by Maestro Barenboim

Daniel Barenboim

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• Maestro Barenboim is “Steinway Artist”

• Some components of Steinway & Sons

were integrated :

• Continuous Rim Bending

• Keybed

• Hammerheads/schanks

• Jacks

• Capola Bell

Collaboration with Steinway & Sons

Collaboration with Steinway & Sons

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Construction – Key features

• What are the main

technical differences

compared to the

contemporary

Concert Grand?

Straight Strings

Construction – Key features

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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Direction of the soundboard-veins

Construction – Key features

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

2 independent bridges on same height

Construction – Key features

Co

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Gra

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Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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Ribs and bracings

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

Iron Frame

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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Hand polished soundboard and inner rim

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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Bass strings

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

Strings are individually attached

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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• Adjustable duplex

Construction – Key features

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

• The Keyboard

Construction – Key features

Contemporary Steinway Concert Grand Barenboim-Maene based on Steinway

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• Exterior design

– Collaboration with design studio “GBO”

– Different casing, legs, music rest, frame design,

colours, etc.

– Elegant, slim design

Construction – Key features

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The 3 hazen…

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• More sound transparency in 3 registers (bass – mid – treble)

• More clear, diversified sound projection (also in large concert

halls)

• Harmonic balance

• Positive power balance, also in the treble

• New expression possibilities

• Technical comfort of a contemporary Concert Grand Piano

Musical result & benefits

• The instrument was debuted

on May 5-8-10-12 in the

Musikverein in Vienna by

Maestro Daniel Barenboim

first public concerts…

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• Further concerts by Daniel

Barenboim in Philharmonie –

Paris – May 18-20-22-24

first public concerts…

Royal Festival Hall Londen :

May 26th : Press Conference

Concerts on 27-29-31 May and

June 2nd, by Daniel Barenboim

first public concerts…

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