The 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is an event where young artists face not only Chopin’s music but also their own expectations and challenges. A key element of the competition is the choice of instrument, which becomes the silent hero of these performances. Participants of the Competition, whose first stage began on October 3, have access to pianos from several renowned brands.
Among the instruments available to pianists during this year’s edition are top-class models from five companies: Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, Fazioli and C. Bechstein.
Available brands and their unique features
Each of the pianos offered during the Competition stands out with its unique sound character, specific keyboard weight, playing dynamics, and interpretative possibilities.
1. Steinway D-274
The Steinway D-274 grand piano is considered a versatile instrument, offering a wide palette of tonal colors and a large dynamic range. It is often perceived as a universal piano with a strong bass and resonant treble. It is known that Steinway pianos first appeared during the 2nd Chopin Competition in 1932. During the previous edition of the Competition in 2021, Steinway was the most frequently chosen instrument, selected by as many as three-quarters of participants (64 people). It was also played by Seong-Jin Cho, the winner of the 17th Chopin Competition in 2015.
2. Yamaha CFX
The Yamaha CFX model is appreciated by artists for its clarity and balanced tone across registers, as well as its fast sound attack. The Yamaha brand has been present at the Chopin Competition since 1985. The Yamaha CFX was the most frequently chosen piano by participants of the 17th Chopin Competition in 2015. Among the laureates of previous editions are admirers of this instrument. The Yamaha piano was played, among others, by Charles Richard-Hamelin, winner of the 2nd prize at the 17th Chopin Competition in 2015.
3. Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX model is characterized by its velvety tone, highly sensitive action, and responsive keyboard. It is often described as a more “velvety” instrument. Kawai pianos debuted at the Chopin Competition in the 11th edition, alongside Yamaha, in 1985. Although its popularity continues to grow, it was the least frequently chosen instrument in the 2021 edition. It was played, among others, by Alexander Gadjiev, winner of the 2nd prize at the 18th Chopin Competition in 2021.
4. Fazioli F278
The Italian manufacturer Fazioli, founded by Paolo Fazioli in the late 20th century, is distinguished by its transparency and precision, allowing for very refined sound shaping. The instrument is often associated with a “glassy” treble. Fazioli pianos first appeared at the 16th Chopin Competition in 2010. It was on a Fazioli piano (278 cm in length) that Bruce Liu, the winner of the 18th Chopin Competition in 2021, performed. This brand was also chosen by 3rd prize winner Martín García García and 5th prize winner Leonora Armellini.
5. C. Bechstein D-282
After almost a 50-year break, the concert grand C. Bechstein D-282 returns to the Competition. The manufacturer’s history dates back to 1853. Bechstein pianos were once the most frequently chosen instruments in the early editions of the Chopin Competition, both before and shortly after World War II. The D-282 model is distinguished by great clarity, elegant articulation, and a singing treble.
A difficult selection process
The decision of which instrument to choose is a crucial stage of performance preparation. Pianists have very limited time – only fifteen minutes – to test all available pianos. In this short period, inside the Concert Hall of the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, participants assess many aspects: key weight and depth, repetition response, and the instrument’s reaction to pedaling. The differences between pianos are most audible in sound projection (fortissimo carrying power), clarity of texture, color of upper tones, and bass elasticity. The chosen instrument must best suit the pianist’s playing style and allow them to fully express the emotional depth of Chopin’s works.
During the instrument testing at the Concert Hall, only technicians representing specific brands and individuals authorized by the Competition Director may be present. The latter provide the instruments and the best technicians and tuners — a long-standing tradition of competition between piano manufacturers dating back to the 19th century.