Daniel Barenboim unveils 'radical' new piano

Argentinian pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim has unveiled a new type of piano, which he argues is "radically different" from the tried and tested model.

The Barenboim-Maene Concert Grand piano is said to combine the touch, stability, and power of a modern piano with the transparent sound quality of more traditional instruments.

It was conceived and commissioned by Barenboim, and built by the Belgian instrument maker Chris Maene with support from piano maker Steinway & Sons.

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The most significant difference between the conductor's new instrument and modern pianos is the use of parallel strings. The bridges, ribs and bracings have also been specially designed, and the hammers and strings have been repositioned, says The Guardian.

Only two of the pianos have been created, one each for Barenboim and Maene, but the pianist says he is hopeful it could eventually go into wider production. "I'm sure there will be a demand from artists who want something else," he said.

In a private performance to highlight the difference between the two instruments, Barenboim played 30 seconds from Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata on his Steinway before playing the same notes on the piano.

"There is no difference in the volume, there is a difference in the quality of the sound," said the pianist. He said it had more transparency and clarity than the standard concert grand.

But did others notice it? "Some were thrilled by the difference," says The Guardian. "Others furrowed their brows at the similarity. What no one could disagree on was the maestro's passion for his new instrument."

Barenboim will perform a full series of Franz Schubert recitals on the new instrument at the Southbank centre this month. "I've fallen in love with it, now I want to spend as much time with it as possible."