Jeremy Denk Chooses a Piano

pseudonym58

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/22/arts/music/frick-piano-jeremy-denk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Bk8.0Jp6.ffYYAeAsBFTZ&smid=url-share

They all sounded good to me, but I guess the point is: How hard does the pianist have to work to arrive at that beautiful sound? I can understand why a pianist would want a piano that responds to the full variety of expression most easily.

pianoloverus

Thanks for posting this very interesting article.

HeartKeys

Those pianos sound amazing. I really wish I had an opportunity to play them... the Steinway dealers I've been to, didn't seem to do a good job with prepping their instruments. When they're prepped well though--Wow.

ShiroKuro

What surprised me was that they only had three options, and all S&S. Since all are used, it seems unlikely that they’re getting some assistance from Steinway in exchange for purchasing a Steinway, although I suppose that could be the case.

But it seems like a missed opportunity to only have three options, all used, all Steinway, and two with some not insignificant (IMO) concerns.

pianoloverus

ShiroKuro What surprised me was that they only had three options, and all S&S.

Whoever chose those three pianos may well have tried out many more since those were the final candidates. Plus they had to be moved to the Frick auditorium for the final audition which costs a considerable amount of money. It's not surprising they were all Steinways because that's what most concert pianists are used to and would expect.

ShiroKuro

pianoloverus all good points.

Still it would have been great to have a Bosie and a Fazioli in the group.

We can dream … ☺️

brdwyguy

ShiroKuro I think it mostly has to do with how well the piano resonates in the room (without microphones to enhance the volume)
Of course a pianists perception of the feel as well but that Tone and Resonance is what sells the S&S in large spaces.
It's my belief that is what they are specifically designed for, especially the D's

That is not to say Bosie's and Fazioli's and even C Bechstein's don't, it's just that S&S's project much better that most other High-End Pianos in larger spaces. The larger the space the better the projection.

Does anyone know if they tried other brands IN that performing space, specifically?
I bet a million if asked, that is why they turned them down, NOT for value of Touch or Tone, but for project or lack there of in comparison with the S&S? Or maybe S&S gave them a better deal on price? 😂

My 2 Cents (as my friend Rich would say)
brdwyguy