Bösendorfer is the only piano manufacturer that applies a detachable and independent Capo d’Astro in the upper register. This is how we assure an utmost precise adjustment in the upper register guaranteeing the original Bösendorfer Sound for generations: Unique sound for more than one generation.
290 Imperial
Impressive Sound, Imposing Appearance
The Italian composer, conductor and pianist Ferruccio Busoni meticulously transcribes the famous organ works of J.S. Bach. He soon realises that he requires additional bass notes in order to do Bach’s masterpieces and the immersive sound of 16 to 32 feet bass pipes found in an organ justice. Ludwig Bösendorfer is ready to take on the challenge and builds the first prototype having full 8 octaves in tonal range. Not only Busoni starts to appreciate the exceptional qualities of the – later coined – Imperial Concert Grand: Bartók, Debussy and Ravel compose further works to exploit the tremendous resonance of this very instrument. These oeuvres can only be played and interpreted as they were meant to on this Concert Grand.
The Italian composer, conductor and pianist Ferruccio Busoni meticulously transcribes the famous organ works of J.S. Bach. He soon realises that he requires additional bass notes in order to do Bach’s masterpieces and the immersive sound of 16 to 32 feet bass pipes found in an organ justice. Ludwig Bösendorfer is ready to take on the challenge and builds the first prototype having full 8 octaves in tonal range. Not only Busoni starts to appreciate the exceptional qualities of the – later coined – Imperial Concert Grand: Bartók, Debussy and Ravel compose further works to exploit the tremendous resonance of this very instrument. These oeuvres can only be played and interpreted as they were meant to on this Concert Grand.
- Size: 9'6" | Weight: 1217 lbs | Keys: 97
Colors Available: Gloss Ebony, Satin Ebony, Polished White
Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany, Pommele- All Bösendorfer Pianos
Tonal stability at its best: Our open pinblock consists out of 3 layers of 7mm quarter sawn maple, glued cross-grained to each other. Settled on a base of red beech this construction offers a firm basis for the pins tied with strings. The top layer is refined with a 1.5mm walnut veneer. Our open pin block: a sound basis indeed.
Each string is individually attached with a handmade loop. Over time this improves tuning stability and is particularly service friendly.
Impressive in sound, imposing in appearance
Evoking an extraordinary sound – sonorous and rich in expression and resonance – the timbre of the Imperial Grand seems to be orchestral. The additional deeper bass notes resonate with every key you strike and the massive soundboard supports the projection of any frequency. Ludwig Bösendorfer’s Imperial still to this day represents the precious heritage of the Bösendorfer piano manufactory.
Imperial in Sound
Our Concert Grand 290 Imperial and the Grand Piano 225 come with additional bass notes Model 225 has in total 92 notes and our 290 has 97 (8 full octaves) rather than the standard 88 tones. Certain works by Busoni, Bartók, and Ravel, can only be performed accurately on these instruments.
Thanks to the enormous resonance board and the additional strings the pianist is able to enjoy an orchestral sound.
Imperial in sound and appearance: the Bösendorfer Imperial Line.
Beatrice Berrut
Stephen Hough
Nareh Arghamanyan
