James Bacon on Bosendorfers, Piano Recording in a Studio, The Phoenix System

[polishookm]

A new post on my blog about Bosendorfers, piano recording in a studio, the Phoenix mechanism designed by Richard Dain, and more. It's an interview with James Bacon, a recording engineer in the UK (in Sheffield) who specialises in solo piano recordings on a Bosendorfer Imperial with a built-in Phoenix system.

https://www.polishookstudio.com/2014/01/james-bacon-on-pianos-recording.html

[ahinton]

Thank you for posting this.

I have never met Richard Dain but have worked with Bösendorfer 290s supplied by him for recordings and, before that, with some others in a similar context. I am sadly not yet familiar with the Phoenix system, nor have I yet encoutered the carbon fibre soundboard (which sounds fascinating in principle, given its presumed greater stability, reliability, unwarpability and general sustainability), but I can say, as a composer (not as a pianist) that these instruments at their best are incomparable and capable, in the right hands, of the kinds of expression that always come to mind whenever I write for the piano.

Sorabji once told me that he wanted one for his next birthday...

Best,

Alistair

[awesom_o]

Solid article, thank you for posting!

[polishookm]

Alastair and awesome_o - Thanx! Your feedback much appreciated. I'll let James know!

I find the Phoenix system to be amazing. My Steingraeber has it. Alastair - if you can visit HFP. Richard Dain is a very nice guy, as you probably know. His knowledge of pianos is stunning. When I purchased my pno he very patiently explained and re-explained everything I asked about the details of instrument and the P-system.

The Phoenix system resonates such that it brings a new dimension to the piano. Could be veeerrrrry interesting for a composer .... ....James B is totally set up to bring out that aspect of the piano in his studio.

Maybe sometime you'll post about Sorabji? !

[polishookm]

Alistair, Sorabji?

[g_s_223]

I liked the comments about the undesirable tendency towards a uniform Steinway-only sound. One particularly malign recent development has been the appearance of some conservatoires claiming to be "All-Steinway" establishments - what an abominable idea...