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The bigger the better?
A 'Grand' for pianists who got it all!
In 1987, the
Riga based German builder of pianos David Klavins, has presented
an instrument measuring more than three and a half meters high,
with strings of more than three meters long, weighing about two
tons.
According to the German "Guinness- Buches der Rekorde"
it is the biggest instrument of the world!
Over the years
several builders have attempted to build the biggest piano possible.
What moves them to achieve this? A bigger instrument with a bigger
soundboard can produce more sound, this is important in large
spaces with lots of people in it.
Larger soundboards are also better able to pass on lower frequencies.
Because the strings are longer the inharmonicity
is different than in smaller instruments.
This improves the quality of the sound.
For years
builders have improved the pianos and grand pianos step by step,
concert grands however kept looking like sturdy black shiny instruments,
standing on three legs with a huge top on it.
This Klavins is different. One is no longer seated at the
piano, one sits almost in the instrument.
Klavins wants us to believe one can expect new sensations in the
sound of his piano.
The pianist Michael Ponti:
"The unique size of the piano has an overwhelming
effect on me.
When I sit at the "Klavins" and play, it seems incomparably
more impressive than anything I have ever experienced before.
I think Mr. Klavins has succeeded in developing an instrument
that will satisfy the highest standards of piano playing.
In addition, its magnificent sound is an enrichment of the spectrum
of instruments available to the pianist."
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