It is well known that the quality of sound is greatly reduced when the lid of the piano has to be removed. The sound looses in dynamics, direction and density. As a result of this the artistic performance, not only in concerts but particularly for recordings, is considerably impaired. This adverse effect is even more pronounced in acustically problematic concert halls. Steinway in Austria have been able to find a solution that avoids the reduction of sound quality caused by the removal of the piano lid.
As a result of two year of development work by our technical department and in close cooperation with Pierre-Laurent Aimard we can now offer our newly developed Sound Reflector to the market. A Sound Reflector set consists of six individual elements are placed on the piano housing. The reflector flaps of the Sound Reflector can be turned and arrested at any desired angle. The objective is to direct the sound waves over the head of the pianist toward the audience when the pianist/conductor is playing with his back to the audience.
The individual adjustment of the angle of the reflector flaps depend strongly on the specific acoustical condition of the concert hall and should be done in accordance with local requirements. Our tests have shown best results with angles of about 25 – 55 degrees. In the discant region the flap angle should be lower while it should be more open in the bass section.
To avoid blockage of the reflected sound waves we have additionally developed an acoustically almost transparent music stand which is also placed on the piano housing.
The Sound Reflector has been proven in several concerts by Pierre-Laurent Aimard and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. The CD of the Mozart concerts 6, 15 and 27 performed by Pierre-Laurent Aimard and the CoE have been recorded using the new Sound Reflector system.
We are able to offer the Sound Reflector set including music stand and transport box with castors at a price of Euro 4.249,- (excluding VAT).
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Christoph Koller at
Steinway in
Austria, Opernring 6–8, 1010 Wien
0043-1-512 07 12
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