C. Bechstein - Piano craftsmanship then : corporate film 1926

This historical silent film "How a Grand Piano Is Created" was made by the company Bechstein in 1926. It was intended as a cultural as well as an advertising event. Every presentation of the film was accompanied by a pianist and a piano technician who would explain about the company and the crafting process. It was supposed to cultivate people's interest in the piano and the musical world generally and to serve the industry of piano making. The longest version of the film lasts 40 minutes.
This version here gives an impression of the sophisticated craftsmanship by C. Bechstein and illustrates the cultural importance of the company in the 1920ies. It is an edited version with additional comments about traditional piano making by C. Bechstein, the circumstances and the context of that era.
www.bechstein.com
/ bechsteinpianos

[@heikemariadroste]

I am so amused and thrilled by this beautiful film. The musical background is particularly beautiful. I am overwhelmed and fascinated. The sound character of the Bechstein piano is brilliant, powerful and has a lot of clarity, quite marvellous, quite beautiful. It is very interesting to learn that a pianist was always present at every presentation of this historical silent film and played along with the advertising film.

[@VeganRashad]

I have so much more respect for my 1925 baby grand. I can't help but wonder am I see my actual piano being built 90 years ago?? My Bechstien was gifted to me this summer and I've been learning ever since. I bet 91 years ago in Berlin Germany craftsman at C.Bechstein piano company had no clue that one day a young black man would own this piano and be playing Dr. Dre/Snoop Dog songs on it. KZbin is my new piano tutor. My close friend said I needed a hobby that does not involve business or engineering. My Bechstien is a true stress reliever. Music will be that outlet. #KZbin will my new piano tutor. My close friend said I needed a hobby that does not involve business or engineering. A true stress reliever.

[@ronaldneale2013]

I actually own a Betchstein Model D Concert Grand just love it

[@bhaveshmistry3255]

I am Piano specialist and piano player/ composer. C. Bechstien aww my favourite pianos. One day I’ll be buy it for sure. Doing research about piano is my passion. Frankly speaking I love C Bechstien more than other famous brand. I have never get chance to play C.Bechstien as in India we don’t have the distributor for C. Bechstien. My company is Steinway & Sons’s importer. I have a 18 years of experience ans I am very much that in Indian piano market is just started growing. It’s really a opportunity to something in India. If you guys planning to expand your business then must focus country like a India. If you guys know any guidance regarding the Indian market then I’ll honestly share my experience with you without any charges or any expectation. Thank you and all the best ❤️

[@f1f1s]

Thank you very much! This deserves more views!

[@pianopera]

The combination of supreme (handmade) craftsmanship, the best materials and total dedication make the instruments from this period unsurpassed in many ways. When well preserved and maintained, they are still the best choice for playing Debussy, because they have such a wonderful sound... what the man is doing from 14:15 is extremely important for the playability of the instrument. Thanks for posting this historic film, would have been nicer with Backhaus or Schnabel playing Bechstein though!

[@hastensavoir7782]

even more than Steinway, Steingraeber, Fazioli and Mason & Hamlin?

[@pianopera]

@@hastensavoir7782 At that time, yes, I think so.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

@@hastensavoir7782 Steinway used to be known as the piano "almost as good as Bechstein". I think S&S got the edge only due to the american market being much bigger than Germany. If Bechstein was USA based, the situation would be reversed.

[@philipinchina]

My Model B is from 1924, so just 2 years before this film was made. I wouldn't swop it for anything!

[@gregarnold8954]

Does anyone have an idea of who is improvising the soundtrack? Really nice playing - Cecil Taylor meets Errol Garner. May not be everyone’s taste but the guy (or gal) can ‘blow’ for sure!

[@colemantwebster]

what is the piece at the beginning?

[@EveshkaGhost]

I want to know the crazy peice just after that goes for most of it. but i dont think anyone here knows!

[@prolixsicklicks]

Things Ain’t What They Used To Be. You’re welcome.

[@gregarnold8954]

@@prolixsicklicks that’s just one of many jazz standards the pianist is riffing on throughout the soundtrack. You’re welcome indeed! I’d love to know who the player is. Very well-recorded piano too.

[@Johannes_Brahms65]

That Bechstein was of good quality building but the sound/dynamics wasn't that great at all. That's why Steinway took it over. It didn't help that Helena Bechstein helped to finance Hitlers party and thereby contibuted to the destruction of her factory/marked/country/hemisphere/globe/universe. But we honour the workers int the factory. This film is awesome, thanks!