<<  -- 7 --  Bill Newman    'LIGHT SHINING THROUGH'

When I last met them both at Stuttgart they were playing Schubert on a large model Fazioli Grand which also featured in their complete edition for CBS/Sony. 'We have three Steinway pianos at home, but in Schubert's music we chose Fazioli -- it had four pedals and we wanted that very special sound -- transparent not earthy, especially in the bass register with its cantabile line. We bought it for the recording and have now sold it, but occasionally we use a Fazioli for certain recitals because he is improving the qualities of his instrument the whole time.' Fazioli pianos are made in Italy, the factory not far from Venezia which also manufactures good quality wood furnishings and select cuts for different industries. Their piano showroom with small concert hall is at Stuttgart. 'We were invited next day to his factory and saw the most beautiful mosaic treatment of the wood which provides the instrument's foundation and special sound qualities. The Sultan of Bahrein is one of his customers.'

Steinway is an all purpose instrument, built to last. 'I think it is important to mention one thing. I don't know how many instruments he manufactures a year -- maybe 1000 or 2000 in the States and Germany combined. Fazioli makes 50, so it is no competition. It is not economic, and difficult to compare.' Does this mean that you alter your style of playing or is it a natural progression? 'I think so. It is like talking to people. Every person is different. You are yourself, but talk a little differently to each person if you get to feel how you have to talk. The instrument is the same -- you have to listen to what it tells you -- it is a question of communication. It doesn't matter whether it is a Fazioli, Steinway, Blüthner, Bechstein -- if you don't listen, you will never get this communication. If you do listen, it is fantastic!'