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Designed by Steinway artist Paul Wyse and based on 'Pictures at an Exhibition', this Steinway Model D grand piano is completely crazy, in the best possible way.
More than four years in the making, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' is the first Steinway & Sons piano inspired by a musical composition. Photo: Steinway
Photo: Steinway
The case and lid are decorated with images of figures from Russian musical history and folklore, with oil paintsings on both sides of the lid. Photo: Steinway
Photo: Steinway
The piano's designer, Paul Wyse, commented: "I wanted to use the Steinway piano to tell a story, not just of Mussorgsky’s piano suite, but of everything surrounding it…. For me it’s about capturing the mystery of the Russian soul, and all its facets; fairy tale, legend, history, and fascinating politics all come together in a dramatic and surprising way." Photo: Steinway
Photo: Steinway
Ron Losby, CEO of Steinway, said: "It is difficult to express the experience of not just seeing the visual art on the piano, but of hearing the unmistakable sound of a Steinway Model D emanate from it. When I see the result of Paul’s work combined with the impeccable work of our Steinway craftspeople…I’m very proud of what they have created." Photo: Steinway
The piano's designer, Paul Wyse. Photo: Steinway