New VSL Concert Grand Piano

The Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial, which they describe as a unique sample-based virtual instrument, meticulously captured in the controlled acoustic environment of the company's renowned second studio, the Silent Stage. They say that, originally released as the "VI Vienna Imperial", it has long been praised for its exceptional sound and musical responsiveness. Here's the details direct from the company...

The recorded concert grand, a Bösendorfer Imperial 290-755, is a different instrument than the "Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial" which was captured on the large Stage A of Vienna Synchron Stage. Thanks to its dedicated recording setup at the Silent Stage, this studio version delivers a unique sonic character with maximum flexibility for placement in any acoustic environment. The multi-microphone setup available in the Piano Player grants users utmost creative control to craft their own sonic variations or easily use the expertly crafted mixer presets for a ready-to-use sound in any acoustic environment, from dry spaces to lush reverberant halls.

Grand Central
Born from a bold vision by Italian composer and pianist Ferruccio Busoni and realized by piano maker Ludwig Bösendorfer, the legendary Bösendorfer 290 Imperial was created to capture the grandeur of Bach's organ works for the piano – with an extended 8-octave range and unmatched resonance. Composers like Bartók, Debussy, and Ravel soon embraced its vast tonal possibilities, writing works that can only be authentically performed on this unique instrument.

Now, the unmistakable sound of the Bösendorfer Imperial 290-755 lives on in the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial. Using Bösendorfer's state-of-the-art CEUS technology based on solenoids installed under every key, the Vienna team recorded even the subtlest key movements with extraordinary accuracy. Every nuance of the instrument's behavior is preserved, with up to 1,200 samples per key and up to 100 velocities per key. Thanks to this comprehensive method, the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial delivers an incredibly dynamic and authentic playing experience that faithfully mirrors the responsiveness and richness of the original grand piano.

To give users more creative control over their sound, the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial was recorded from three distinct perspectives: close microphones for a direct, detailed tone; player microphones that capture the authentic perspective of the pianist; and audience microphones that add natural ambience and a sense of spaciousness. In the included Piano Player, these signals are available separately in the mixer, allowing users to blend them seamlessly and tailor the piano's sound to every sonic requirement.

Pricing and Availability:
Available at an introductory price of €149 (reg. €189). Owners of the discontinued VI Vienna Imperial can crossgrade to the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial for €39 (reg. €49).

More information:

• Bösendorfer Imperial

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