- Das Kurhaus, Wiesbaden, 23rd March 2010: Yamaha President Mitsuru Umemura tonight unveiled the new CF series of concert grand pianos led by the much anticipated CFX, revolutionary new instruments over 19 years in development, and a once-in-a-generation event according to the President.
Yamaha expect that the new CFX concert grand piano, and CF series overall will come to be seen as one of their greatest achievements.　These truly exceptional instruments are the result of many thousands of hours of private testing and evaluations carried out in partnership with some of the most discerning and demanding concert pianists, piano professors and technicians worldwide. Many of those involved had travelled to Wiesbaden to celebrate the launch.
The new CF series pianos mark a significant milestone in Yamaha's celebrated 108-year history as an acclaimed world-class piano maker. The evening also provided the assembled VIP guests a rare opportunity to meet many of the people involved in the development and design of the new range.
Yamaha President, Misturu Umemura comments “The concept behind the series is ‘Beauty & Power’. Beauty signifies the wide range of tonal colors and musical voices the CF series are capable of, while Power refers to their unprecedented tonal projection. These pianos offer artists outstanding expressiveness for truly musical performance, coupled with enough tonal presence to carry over the sound of a full symphony orchestra—and in the largest of concert halls.”
Yamaha are keen to stress that the new CF series is not simply a development of existing models. They are totally new instruments that build on Yamaha's ambitions to exceed the expectations of players and audiences and set a new global standard for grand pianos. In these instruments Yamaha have completely re-examined and re-evaluated every single aspect of the piano-making process and components involved therein, resulting in a wide range of startling improvements and advances that all combine to underpin the 'Beauty and Power' concept.
Each instrument is entirely hand-built by a small team comprising some of the world's most experienced and passionate craftsmen. All wooden materials are individually seasoned and crafted to perfection and exude Yamaha's legendary attention to detail. The design of the hammers has also been improved and each CF instrument is subject to many hours of detailed and intricate voicing.
The new CF-Series comprises the flagship 275 cm CFX model and two smaller grand pianos, the 212 cm CF6 and the 191cm CF4. Both the CF4 and CF6 draw on Yamaha's exemplary conservatoire heritage and are sure to prove particularly popular with academic institutions where performance, durability and value are paramount.
Yamaha's European Director of pianos Mark Rolfe , “Yamaha CF concert grand instruments are respected and acclaimed at the very highest level and the new CFX and accompanying models are testament to our strong partnerships with many of the world's top pianists and educationalists. The CF-Series can be characterised by Yamaha's revered reputation for tonal clarity, incredibly deep and rich bass, open broad sonority and a long, singing sustain. We are confident that they will further extend our outstanding success with international artists and concert halls.”
During the event, Yamaha also announced new distribution plans for Bösendorfer pianos. These exquisite Viennese pianos will be marketed through Yamaha's global distribution channels which is expected to open many exciting commercial opportunities for both brands. The CF Series and Bösendorfer pianos are superb high-level instruments with tonal qualities that are quite different and distinct from each other. Offering this choice to consumers can create new business opportunities for piano dealers, and provide an unrivaled piano solution for artists, academic institutions, teachers and the general public.
Bösendorfer Spokesman Rupert Loeschnauer commented, “The relationship with Yamaha makes 'sound business sense' to us as Yamaha’s huge resources including world class piano artist facilities will ensure that we can bring improved service and support to our valued artist and dealer network. We will be retaining all the traditional qualities that have seen Bösendorfer become one of the most respected piano makers in history.
The evening culminated with a concert beginning with pianist Frantisek Janoska, whose Bösendorfer was accompanied by members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by a solo recital performed on the new CFX by Piotr Anderszewski.
“I love the tonal space with this piano, and I find it technically perfect. It's very rich and so sensitive; everything I need when I want to have an adventure with a piano! And what a fantastic sound… unbelievable!”
Jean-Marc Luisada
“It is a wonderful piano with a very long sustain and rich powerful bass. I love this piano! I don't know why, but it feels so expressive and responsive.”
Cyprien Katsaris
“I'm completely satisfied with it. Great colors, plenty of power, very easy to control, it has everything… The entire piano rings. It inspires me a lot. I would use it for any performance, whether recital or concerto. It can do all”
Alexander Kobrin
“I like this piano a lot. I like the sound and it's very responsive, with a wide range from pianissimo to fortissimo. It has a great bass sound, colorful and rich, and feels solid to play. It's a great piano and a significant step forward for Yamaha.”
Frederic Chiu
“Wow, it's so gorgeous! And it's really comfortable to play with amazing sound control and the bass sounds great! Everything responds well, and the dynamic range is astounding. The pianissimo really sings”
Olga Kern
“The ideal piano should have a brassy bass, beautiful mid range, and shimmering highs—and finally there is a piano which has all these qualities. It is sensitive to play but is also capable of a brilliant sound.”
Abbey Simon
“It is capable of both profound bass, powerful fortissimo, but also delicate lyrical passages. Being able to control a subtle touch is important and with this piano I can create beautiful colors, but it also has exceptional power.”
Maria JoĂŁo Pires
