Limited Edition by Kessler

The Grand Bohemian piano would look as much at home in a mythical forest as it would in an art museum or luxury penthouse. Bösendorfer worked with international artist Franco Castelluccio and entrepreneur Richard Kessler — owner of the highly acclaimed Grand Bohemian boutique hotels and a passionate art collector — to create this rare and opulent Limited Edition (Number 1 of 2) piano which is as much a work of art as it is a musical instrument. Limited Edition (Number 2 of 2) resides in Savannah, Georgia as part of Kessler’s private collection.

The cast bronze base of this Art-Case 7’-4” Semi-Concert Grand is supported by peacocks and sculpted tree branches adorned with woodland creatures. A majestic peacock with feathers unfurled comprises the music rest. Even the base and legs of the matching artist piano bench are of sculpted bronze. LED lighting within the sounding board area and lighting under the base give the piano an otherworldly glow. The entire plate and areas of the case are gilded with 23-carat finest gold. The vibrant red of the inside of the piano lid and inner rim make this piano unlike any other in elegance and opulence. This incredible masterpiece will be enjoyed by musicians and art aficionados alike.

The design for the Grand Bohemian was inspired by pieces from Kessler’s personal collection, including a painting of a peacock and a special collection of bronze sculptures. Fascinated by the beauty and elegance of the peacock, and the ideal use of bronze for the base of the piano, Kessler selected these themes and works of art to cultivate inspiration for the design.

As an instrument, this piano speaks for itself…

The model 225 Bosendorfer (7’-4”) Semi-Concert Grand is one of the most acclaimed piano designs of all time. Gazing at the extra black keys of this Bösendorfer Grand the pianist immediately realizes that this instrument is far from ordinary. Rather than the standard 88 keys found on most pianos, the Model 225 has 92 keys (down to F0). The extra keys, which are all at the bass end of the keyboard (that is, to the left), are colored black so that the pianist can tell them apart from the normal keys of an 88-key piano. Delicately fragile pianissimo to brilliant fortissimo, this Bösendorfer Grand will sway both performer and the audience – down to the sub-contra F. These additional bass notes do not only enrich the tonal volume of the instrument, but subsequently paint additional sound colors and open up an orchestral sound spectrum. This unique sonic presence in all registers is the sound basis of the popularity of the Bösendorfer 225 as chamber and solo instrument.

Often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of Pianos,” Bösendorfer’s are hand built in Vienna, Austria to offer unmatched aesthetics, performance, and engineering. When you purchase a Bösendorfer you don’t just acquire an object, but a multigenerational investment of value that offers unmatched sound; unique in color, dynamics, and expression.

Very similar in principle to a violin the whole body – not exclusively the soundboard – supports sound formation. The actual core of the piano rim consists of a 10 mm quarter-sawn piece that is specially grooved by Bösendorfer’s craftsmen to allow it to be bent to the silhouette around the inner rim. This is unique to Bösendorfer. When a note is played, the integrated spruce components become acoustically active, forming a complete resonating body that allows the whole instrument to project your play. An outstanding richness of tone color and legendary pure and brilliant sound is crafted this way. This complex construction is part of the Viennese tradition of piano making.

Bösendorfer Grands are not just an object of investment but of value that will last more than one generation. Bösendorfer’s skilled Artisans reveal the inner beauty of the sound, unique in color, dynamics and expression not found in any other piano. Perfected throughout generations. It takes dedication and hard work for up to a year to build your Bösendorfer Grand. A personal touch that you will sense the moment you play. Austrian quality, Viennese soul.

Uncompromising traditional handcrafting, beauty and the Viennese soul. Made in Austria for close to two centuries, since 1828. The sole limitation of your Bösendorfer Grand is its surrounding. Everything else is taken care of. These instruments will unveil the fine nuances of the music you play – key by key, yet unseen and unheard.

Richard C. Kessler, Hotelier and Art Collector

When you visit one of his highly acclaimed boutique hotels he wants you to have an immersive cultural experience. Each hotel is filled with original sculptures, paintings, glass art, and contemporary jewelry by nationally and internationally renowned artists. Art and music are recurring themes throughout his fine assortment of hotel locations.