Andrean Farugia reports on W.Hoffmann

Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is the official Bechstein selection center for Canada. It was there that I played a W. Hoffmann 48" model T122 upright in polished ebony, part of the W. Hoffmann "Tradition" series, made at a Bechstein factory in the Czech Republic. Not unlike its far more expensive C. Bechstein and Bechstein Academy cousins, this W. Hoffmann had a very rich but clean sound, with pearl-like trebles and a singing tonal quality. The tone was even and consistent across the range of the keyboard, with an almost unnoticeable break between the bass and tenor regions. When I played loud, sustained chords, the sound bloomed colorfully, first emphasizing the fundamental tones and then evolving into a warm, complex set of harmonic overtones. The action was very responsive and tactile, giving me a high level of control in the execution of a wide range of dynamics and clean, fast legato passages.

One reservation many pianists have about buying an upright instead of a grand is the sacrifice that must be made in the speed of single-note repetition. On this particular model, however, the ease at which I could quickly repeat a single note was quite impressive. The W. Hoffmann T122 upright would be a good choice for those who want a piano with very good action and a rich, "Bechstein-like" European sound, but at a price that doesn't break the bank. This model should provide great value for the money.

Pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia has been a vital member of the North American jazz scene for almost 15 years. He has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Curtis Fuller, Randy Brecker, Bob Brookmeyer, and Matt Dusk, in New York, Chicago, Paris, Tokyo, and Toronto. He serves on the music faculties of York University, in Toronto, and Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, in Hamilton, Ontario. Visit his website at www.myspace.com/adreanfarrugia.