88 Keys

More than 500 people are involved in the creation of just one of the worlds greatest pianos, the Steinway. From the selection and aging of wood to the delicate voicing of the finished instrument, this special reissue of 88 Keys The Making of a Steinway Piano relates the story behind the instruments intricate formation, as told by Miles Chapin, a fifth-generation descendant of Steinways founder, Henry Engelhard Steinway. Readers will learn about how the piano gets its trademark curve, the "belly men" who fit the metal harp to the wooden frame, the carvers who shape the pianos legs and pedal lyre, and the many other craftspeople who have perfected their specialized contributions to the finished product. Theyll also get an insiders look into the companys history against a timeline of major worldwide music events, and into the roles of piano greats, including Anton Rubinstein and Sergei Rachmaninoff, in contributing to its prominence. A glossary of technical terms is included. For music lovers, aspiring musicians, and pianists everywhere.