Speed of Sound…Bösendorfer + Audi

Throughout Bösendorfer’s history, well-known architects and designers have designed instruments for the Viennese piano manufacturer time and again. Without compromising sound or playability, special models have arisen which are now considered exemplars of innovative design. Hoffmann, Frank, Grosser, Hansen, Hollein, Swarovski, EDGE and Kuhn are among the names of Bösendorfer’s designer models. With the new Audi Design Grand, Bösendorfer enters into the formal and color language of Audi’s design world…

As a logical consequence of the long-standing cultural commitment of the brand with the four rings, Audi celebrates its 100th anniversary with a cultural highlight: clothing a concert grand piano in Audi garb. Not just any piano: a Bösendorfer.

An impressive feature of the new Bösendorfer grand in Audi design is the closed bass side rim. It not only lends the instrument unusual presence and stability, it also allows it to project the bass more strongly into the auditorium.

“The liberal surfaces make for a clear shape; there are no ornaments; the edges and lines are sharply defined, the joints logically arranged – all important aspects of Audi design,” says designer Philip Schlesinger, who realized the project in the Konzept Design studio in Munich.

“The most striking feature is the lid, which reaches seamlessly all the way to the floor. An Audi innovation, a large, closed surface emerges.” For this complex lid shape, Bösendorfer design engineer Otto Haller developed a custom press mold that is unique in piano manufacturing.

Upon closer inspection it is evident that the lid is inserted directly into the case. The lower edge of the case thereby discretely rises backwards, away from the pianist, an optical trick.

“The attention is thus carefully directed to the musician,” Schlesinger explains.

In creating the new designer grand, great importance was placed on further projecting the famous Bösendorfer sound into the world. The Audi Design Grand is a genuine Bösendorfer.

For further details, please visit audi.bosendorfer.com