C. BECHSTEIN PIANOS

History

C. Bechstein is a German piano manufacturer founded in Berlin in 1853, by Carl Bechstein.

Bechstein's goal was to manufacture pianos that would be able to withstand the great demands imposed on the instrument by the virtuosi of the time, such as Franz Liszt.Hans Von Bulow's performance of Liszt's Piano sonata in B minor in 1857 led to Bechstain pianos gaining popularity.

In 1881 Bechstain began supplying pianos to Queen Victoria, which eventually let to him opening a branch in London 4 years later.

Legacy

At that time, about three quarters of production went to international markets, especially Britain and the Commonwealth, and Russia.

Carl Bechstein died in 1900, and the Bechstein company continued to operate under the management of his sons. Between 1900 and 1914 C. Bechstein was one of the leading piano makers in the world, employing 1200 craftsmen and workers by 1913 and making five thousand pianos per year.

Notable Artists:Alexander Scriabin, Edwin Fischer, Artur Schnabel, Oscar Peterson, Elton John, Bob Dylan and Freddie Mercury.

Statistics

Throughout the years three main piano makers, all established in 1853 in Germany, have been considered masters of the trade across the world: Bluthenr, Bechstein and Steinway and Sons.

The following statistics show Bechstein's, Bluthenr's and Steinway's sales in the 20th century in Europe and worldwide.

BECHSTEIN EUROPEAN SALES 1900-2000

1900-19201920-19401940-19601960-19801980-2000

Germany425439520392405

France538545487531337

UK354309265298270

Italy400328344375369

Russia128106164130104

Spain385341358332304

WORLDWIDE SALES 1900-2000

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BlthnerBechsteinSteinway

1900-1920480057006300

1920-1940465063005950

1940-1960455060505650

1960-1980490054505800

1980-2000475050005350