The Majestic Beauties: Mark Bradford’s ‘Apollo’, Fazioli’s ‘The Butterfly’, and Ambika Hinduja’s ‘Harmony of Nature’ – A Glimpse into the World of Art-Case Pianos

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A classic piano is often considered a valuable piece of furniture and is typically the most expensive item found in a home. However, these majestic instruments are rarely thought of as art. That is, until you come across the breathtaking creations known as art case pianos. These extraordinary grand pianos perfectly straddle the worlds of art and music, featuring intricate elements and special details that transform them into true works of art.

Some notable examples of art case pianos include Mark Bradford’s ‘Apollo’, which was auctioned for an astounding $365,000 at Christie’s in 2016. Then there’s Fazioli’s ‘The Butterfly’ and Ambika Hinduja’s ‘Harmony of Nature’. These pianos are just a glimpse into the world of art cases.

Historically, art case pianos were commissioned by Europe’s royal and aristocratic families as symbols of their political power and economic wealth. Today, these extraordinary instruments are made at the request of wealthy patrons and are often the result of collaborations between renowned piano makers and notable artists.

In 2020, Edelweiss Pianos and their design team, Goldfinch, created ‘The Solis’ at the request of a customer in Los Angeles. Inspired by a Californian desert sunset, this piano features aged heirloom bronze and a 23.5-carat gold leaf finish. It took eight months to complete this masterpiece.

Steinway, a legendary piano maker with a history of creating art case pianos, unveiled ‘La Mer’ in the same year. This white Model M Steinway grand piano is adorned with stunning images of breaking waves. Paul Wyse, a long-time Steinway artist and classically-trained pianist, explains the allure of art case pianos, stating, “A plain piano can look uninteresting in a nicely done-up room. So, people may spend extra money on something that could be a collector’s item, that could appreciate over time or even end up in a museum one day. There’s an investment quality to it.”

While classic grand pianos are beloved by music enthusiasts, there is an extremely niche market for decorative pianos. Art case pianos, with their price tags often reaching millions of dollars, attract buyers who are not only passionate about music but also want to showcase their wealth and taste. Erin Johnson, a sought-after artist commissioned for art cases, notes that these buyers are often musicians themselves or move in musical circles.

Steinway & Sons, a leading piano maker, reveals that one-of-a-kind art case pianos make up less than one percent of their sales. However, these unique instruments attract customers seeking something extraordinary that matches their personality and passions. Sonny Stancarone, the owner of Sonny’s Luxury Art Case Pianos, a renowned restoration house for pre-owned Steinways, confirms that the demand for art case pianos is global.

Art cases have found popularity not only among luxury buyers but also among high-end interior designers. Italian piano manufacturer Fazioli’s collaborations with a Canadian real estate company resulted in iconic pianos like ‘The Butterfly’ and ‘The Flying Fazioli’. These pianos were created to complement the design of luxury residential properties, showcasing the seamless fusion of art and music.

While art case pianos are coveted, they come with a hefty price tag. A brand-new Steinway grand piano starts at around £1.9 crore, but the cost can increase significantly for an art case piano due to factors such as the complexity of the creative work, the materials used, and the amount of restoration required. Some projects involving old or rare pianos are declined by artists like Johnson, as altering the original patina could fundamentally change the instrument’s character or affect its intrinsic artistic or resale value.

Although art-case pianos have yet to see significant demand in India, Furtados Music, the exclusive dealer for Steinways in the country, has noticed an increasing interest in Steinway pianos with ebony polish and colour-painted finishes. The art case pianos, positioned at the top of the product pyramid, are reserved for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and artistic expression.

The evolution of art case pianos is a fascinating journey. In the early days of piano craftsmanship, each instrument was custom-built, reflecting the art styles of their respective eras. However, as mass production became more prevalent, art case pianos fell out of fashion due to streamlined manufacturing processes and the availability of more affordable options.

Today, art case pianos stand as remarkable examples of the intersection between art and music. These extraordinary instruments not only serve as functional pianos but also as awe-inspiring pieces of art that captivate the senses and elevate any space they occupy. Whether they end up in the homes of wealthy collectors, prestigious museums, or the pages of history, art case pianos continue to be cherished as timeless treasures..