Bösendorfer 290 concert grand piano

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Impressive sound, imposing appearance

Vienna, 1909
The Italian composer, conductor and pianist Ferruccio Busoni meticulously transcribed the famous organ works of J.S. Bach. He soon realized that additional bass notes were necessary to imitate the compelling sound of the 16 to 32 foot organ pipes in his transcriptions. Ludwig Bösendorfer took up the challenge and in 1909 he built the first prototype with eight full octaves of tonal range. Not only did Busoni appreciate the exceptional qualities of the later created Imperial concert grand piano, but the great composers Bartók, Debussy and Ravel also composed special works that make use of the enormous resonance of this instrument. These works can therefore only be played and interpreted correctly when performed on an Imperial concert grand piano. Due to its exceptionally expressive, lilting and richly resonant sound, the Imperial grand piano offers an orchestral timbre. The extra bass notes resonate with every keystroke and the solid soundboard supports the reproduction of every frequency. The Imperial by Ludwig Bösendorfer still represents the precious heritage of the Bösendorfer factory today. 
Impressive in sound, imposing in appearance.