Embedded Files
THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA.
Author – Matej Jovanovic/PianoWorldWide
A Fusion of Art, Music, and Innovation...
On March 13, 2025, an extraordinary event took place at the Bösendorfer factory in Wiener Neustadt. A group of distinguished guests gathered to witness the grand unveiling of "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," a spectacular limited-edition grand piano inspired by Katsushika Hokusai's legendary artwork. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bösendorfer's storied tradition of combining music with fine art, as this masterpiece is set to be showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Artist Series – Katsushika Hokusai, Collector‘s Item
(Image Source: Alphacoders robokoboto)
I had the honor of being present at this historic moment, experiencing firsthand the magic of this extraordinary instrument, and I’m excited to share my impressions with you!
A Piano Like No Other
This limited edition grand piano, created in homage to Hokusai’s world-famous "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," is a breathtaking artistic and musical achievement. Only 16 instruments will be crafted, making each piece a rare collector’s item. The piano’s striking blue and red color palette may seem like an unusual pairing at first, but in reality, they blend seamlessly to create a visually stunning effect that mirrors the movement and energy of Hokusai’s wave.
Each instrument is handcrafted in Bösendorfer's renowned workshop, requiring over 587 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. This model, based on the Bösendorfer 214VC, features the brand’s signature Vienna Concert (VC) technology, offering unparalleled resonance and depth. Notably, the soundboard itself carries a subtle red tint, an intentional design choice that enhances the instrument's warm tonal qualities – perfect for bringing the music of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and contemporary artists to life.
The Magic of Disklavier Technology
One of the most innovative aspects of this piano is the integration of Disklavier technology, transforming it into a self-playing instrument capable of reproducing legendary performances with unmatched precision. Through this system, owners can experience historic performances by Oscar Peterson, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and more, as if the artists themselves were in the room. The Disklavier also enables musicians to record and replay their own performances, analyze their technique, and even collaborate remotely with other artists around the world.
A Musical Celebration
The unveiling was not only a visual spectacle but also a musical celebration.
Tomoko Mayeda, an internationally acclaimed violinist, opened the ceremony with Bach’s Prelude in C Major, before engaging in a mesmerizing performance where she played violin alongside the piano’s automated accompaniment, demonstrating the capabilities of the Disklavier system.
Donka Angatscheva, a Bösendorfer artist celebrated for her virtuosic interpretations, followed with a heartfelt rendition of Liszt’s Liebestraum No. 3, showcasing the instrument’s rich tonal colors and expressive depth.
The depth and warmth of the tone blended seamlessly with the visual masterpiece surrounding me. It was not just an instrument – it was a living, breathing entity that responded with a soul of its own.
The Wave That Sings
One of the most captivating aspects of this piano is how its sound mirrors the essence of Hokusai’s wave. The rolling harmonics and deep, resonant bass notes crash like ocean waves, while the shimmering upper registers resemble the delicate spray of water at its crest. Speaking with the design team, I learned that even the soundboard’s subtle red hue was a deliberate choice to evoke warmth – both visually and sonically.
Just as Hokusai’s wave has mesmerized viewers for nearly two centuries, this piano captivates both the eyes and ears in a way that feels almost otherworldly. It is an instrument that demands to be heard as much as it demands to be seen.
A Tribute to Japanese Artistry
Hokusai’s "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is one of the most recognized artworks in history. Created in the 1830s, this woodblock print captures a towering wave with Mount Fuji in the background, symbolizing the power and beauty of nature. Often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of Japan," the piece has inspired generations of artists and is a fitting tribute for a grand piano that merges the worlds of visual and musical artistry.
From Vienna to Osaka: The Expo 2025 Showcase
This extraordinary piano will soon take center stage at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a world exhibition that is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," Expo 2025 will celebrate innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage, making it the perfect venue to present Bösendorfer’s latest masterpiece.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished figures from Austria and Japan, underlining the importance of this unique collaboration. Among the honored guests were:
Mag. Johanna Mikl-Leitner | Governor of Lower Austria
Chargée d'Affairs Satoko Toku | Representative of the Japanese Embassy
Mag. Klaus Schneeberger | Mayor of Wiener Neustadt
Hon. Prof-FH Mag. Alf Netek MA | Project Manager, Austria EXPO25
Mag. (FH) Sabine Grubmüller | Managing Director, Bösendorfer
The Bösendorfer "Great Wave off Kanagawa" is available in two distinctive versions, offering pianists and collectors the choice between a purely traditional acoustic experience and cutting-edge technological innovation:
Handcrafted Acoustic Edition (without Disklavier): €188,860
Disklavier Edition (featuring Yamaha’s advanced self-playing system): €235,500
Both editions embody the pinnacle of Bösendorfer’s craftsmanship, yet the Disklavier model elevates the experience by enabling pianists to record, analyze, and replay performances with unparalleled precision.
With only 16 pianos available worldwide, this limited edition represents an investment in both musical and artistic history.
Final Thoughts
From its stunning aesthetic to its unparalleled sound, the Bösendorfer "Great Wave off Kanagawa" piano is a true masterpiece of art and music. Whether experienced in the Bösendorfer Salon, at Expo 2025, or in the hands of a privileged collector, this instrument stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration across cultures and centuries.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse