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PIANO

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Description

"Satisfying to the point of sensuousness." -The New York Times Book ReviewLike no other instrument, a grand piano melds the magic of engineering with the magic of great music. Alone among the big piano companies, Steinway & Sons still crafts each of its pianos largely by hand, imbuing each one with the promise and burden of its brand. In this captivating narrative, James Barron of The New York Times tells the story of one Steinway piano, from raw lumber to finished instrument. Barron follows that brand-new piano-known by its number, K0862-on its journey through the factory, where time-honored traditions vie with modern-day efficiency. He also explores the art and science of developing a piano's timbre and character before its debut, when the essential question will be answered: Does K0862 live up to the Steinway legend? From start to finish, Piano will charm and enlighten music and book lovers alike. Read more


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Times Books; First edition (May 29, 2007)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805083049


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 40


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.1 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.76 x 8.25 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,053,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2,136 in Company Business Profiles (Books) #3,013 in Music History & Criticism (Books) #3,734 in Piano & Keyboards


#2,136 in Company Business Profiles (Books):


#3,013 in Music History & Criticism (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Needs Images
Part of this book describes how a piano is built, and that is not possible to convey without diagrams and/or photos. The only photos are grainy black & white images of craftspeople at the Steinway factory-- interesting, but lending nothing to understanding these insanely complicated devices, a complexity that cannot be conveyed in words, no matter how deft the writer. Apart from that, the book has interesting thumbnail sketches of the employees involved at the time of writing (late oughts), and that part is well done. Woven in is a light history of the Steinway family and business. A more detailed history can be found in Richard Lieberman's Steinway and Sons. The reader cannot help but wonder about the ways in which the company controlled access to its employees for this sunny view of its story. Still, an entertaining and informative read-- just not as fulfilling as I wished. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2021 by John Weinshel
    • Enjoyably written!
Some books contain information, and some books are a pleasure to read. Piano by James Barron is both! As I read, I can practically see a fun-loving and slightly mischievous glint in Barron's eyes as he writes. And he covers much more than the technical aspect of building a piano -- he covers the history of the company and even the fascinating -- often cheerfully eccentric -- personalities of the many people involved. Amusing anecdotes? Piano has them, oh yes. Bribing the judges, anyone? Apparently, there were some rough-and-tumble times in the company's distant history. And the technical details are explained in layman's terms. Enjoy a great read! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2021 by Elliot N
    • Piano Lovers Will Re-Read This One
James Barron did his research on this book, and it shows. He traces the building of a nine-foot Steinway D from the spruce forests of Alaska to the concert stage. The begetting of the sound board, the heart and soul of a piano, was, for me, the most emotional aspect of the book. You cannot make an omelet without cracking an egg (we'll have to credit mass-murderer Joe Stalin with that quote), and you need old-growth spruce to make a great soundboard. Ouch. A good reason (or excuse for the impecunious) to always buy a used piano. The book spends time in the factory at Queens, of course, and will teach a reader enormous amounts about the innards of the instrument. The character sketches of the workmen and performers are fascinating, too. An outstanding work. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013 by Glenn Vanstrum
    • Story of a Steinway Concert Grand Piano
Excellently and diligently written, this little book tells the story of one Steinway concert grand piano from conception to adolescence. Barron loves the piano, respects the Company, and is dilgent in showing the evolution of Steinway, as well as the creation of one, new opus - a 9 foot concert piano. Barron introduces us to the barons of Steinway and the individual craftsmen who hand make these excellent instruments. To me, the quality and individual character of each Steinway piano are no longer a mystery. Each time I play my own small grand piano (a quality A B Chase, close replica of the Steinway model S), I think of the efforts that went into it. Unlike Yamahas and such, the Steinway is an almost hand-built piano from a Company which has never relented in its determination to produce the best. The book also explains why age is not all that becoming in the tonal life of a piano. The instrument has a birth, a development, and an aging process which are measured in tonal character progress, not just years. The aged Steiway seems a time integral of all that has come before - including hundred year old designs and techniques, and all the way up to its last tuning. If you think a piano is a piano, is a piano, Barron's book will change your outlook. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2007 by J. Shaw
    • Thoroughly Enjoyed
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about the making of one particular Steinway grand piano, known as K0862, even though the person who recommended the book to me thought I would find it only mildly interesting, probably a three-star book. That wasn't the case. I enjoyed the telling of this nonfiction story and I enjoyed the easy-going writing, and I never felt that the details were padded or obtrusive. When the documentary based on this book came out, I watched it and enjoyed it. As for the book, I passed it on to a friend who liked it, and he passed it on to another friend. If you're interested in the history of manufacturing (even though of a grand piano), in how changing times necessitate changes in practice, in skilled craftsmanship, and in learning more about pianos, you will enjoy this book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2011 by Ohioan
    • K-0862 my NEW friend
K-0862 became a living...feeling...emotional entity by the end of this book........A very very original idea (to breath life into this piano) and well written. Actually EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN book...My NEW favorite among all books...right up there with OVER THE EDGE OF THE WORLD......... The two most enjoyable....... educational........ books I have ever read!!!!!! KUDOS!!!!!!! I hated when i got to the end of this one!!!!!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2007 by Michael J. Klementovich
    • Facsinating account of building a Steinway grand piano
This book is an edited expansion of a series of articles in the NY Times about the building of a Steinway grand piano. Riveting descriptions of all the talented workmen with their specialties in forming every part of this complex product. Story goes all the way to the west coast forests where the proper wood is chosen. The history of the Steinway company is woven into this description. Highly recommended to piano lovers. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2006 by Enoch Gordis
    • Steinway- nothing like one of these
I bought this book some years ago when it was first published. I love my Steinway grand. I have lent the book to some of my fellow Steinway lovers and have not gotten it back. Now I do have it again. I am completely facinated in the making of these masterpieces. Mine is a 1910 model O grand which has been beautifully restored. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2014 by Charles E. Brock

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