Carl Bechstein (1826-1900) was a German piano manufacturer who founded the C. Bechstein company in Berlin in 1853. C. Bechstein pianos were known for their quality and were favored by many renowned composers and pianists throughout history. Here are some of the most notable names, along with their respective countries and periods:
Composers:
- Franz Liszt (Hungary, 1811-1886): Liszt was one of Bechstein's earliest and most enthusiastic endorsers. He wrote a letter to Bechstein in 1862 stating that his pianos "surpass all others in power, sonority, and singing quality."
- Johannes Brahms (Germany, 1833-1897): Brahms was another of Bechstein's most prominent customers. He owned several Bechstein pianos throughout his career, and was known to prefer their dark and rich tone.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russia, 1840-1893): Tchaikovsky was a Bechstein enthusiast, and is said to have owned a Bechstein grand piano that he used for composing and performing.
- Claude Debussy (France, 1862-1918): Debussy played on a Bechstein piano during his first public performance in 1882, and is believed to have owned a Bechstein piano as well.
Pianists:
- Arthur Schnabel (Austria/USA, 1882-1951): Schnabel was a famous pianist who favored Bechstein pianos for their powerful and nuanced sound. He reportedly owned several Bechstein pianos throughout his career.
- Vladimir Horowitz (Russia/USA, 1903-1989): Horowitz played on a Bechstein piano during his first performance in Berlin in 1925, and later owned a Bechstein piano that he used for recording.
- Wilhelm Kempff (Germany, 1895-1991): Kempff was a renowned pianist who favored Bechstein pianos for their clarity and expressiveness. He reportedly owned a Bechstein piano for many years.
- Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (Italy, 1920-1995): Michelangeli was a famous pianist who favored Bechstein pianos for their precision and responsiveness. He reportedly owned a Bechstein piano for many years.
These are just a few examples of the many composers and pianists who favored Bechstein pianos throughout history. Bechstein pianos continue to be highly regarded today and are still used by many top performers and recording artists.