![]() Many companies started manufacturing pianos in the 19th century, but most of them faded, leaving only the best to survive. ![]() “Indian patronage of the piano in the days of the Raj was largely confined to the aristocracy and to those who had social contacts with Europeans residing in India. Jehangir Batiwala of the PMS knows what it is to be part of an organisation that has in its possession a Steinway. The voicing of the piano, which translated into simpler terms means lending the final touches to the sound, takes a full month to perfect,� says Mistry. The felts employed are the finest quality possible. Made exclusively to order, an upright Steinway takes six months to create,while a concert grand, takes at least eight months. “Every single part in a Steinway is hand-made and even the wood they use, seasoned for 20 years, comes from their own plantations. Mumbai-based piano technician, Ajay Mistry, explains why. However, it is to the Steinway, which over the years has evolved from 120 patented innovations and 1,000 details of design and construction to become the hand-crafted piano of choice, that this piece is dedicated. Music schools, piano teachers, classical choirs, lovers and Mozart & Co, have inspired the PMS to maintain their Steinway in immaculate condition and invest in another concert grand from the other great piano makers, Blüthner. The following western classical music has in Pune will not inspire visions of mass appeal, but certainly boasts knowledgeable aficionados and committed practitioners. The PMS is at the forefront of keeping interest in this instrument, which evolved from the hapshichord in the 18th century thanks to Bartolommeo Cristofori, alive. The culture that surrounds the piano in Pune, is itself eclectic and niche. The Steinway, which was acquired from the Maharaja of Dhrangadhra in Gujarat in 1965, still has “voice and feel� that would make Henry Engelhard Steinway, the founder of Steinway, proud. ![]() The Poona Music Society (PMS), has in its possession a concert grand Steinway, made in 1891. Back home in Pune, the Steinway commands as much respect, if not the same hype. To commemorate the sesquicentenary of the First Family of piano manufacturers, two anniversary limited edition pianos, one created by designer Karl Lagerfield and the second, a replica of one of the most historic grand Steinways, that was played by artiste Ignace Jan Paderewski in 1891, were unveiled at Steinway Hall in New York. On March 5, 2003, one of the world’s finest and foremost piano makers, Steinway & Sons celebrated 150 years of their existence.
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