It doesn’t matter if it’s a piano recital, a song recital, a piano trio or a piano concerto – as soon as a grand piano is on stage, an incredible number of factors must be taken into account to achieve the perfect sound: the tuning of the strings, the touch of the keys and the correct pressure on the pedal. Even the slightest imperfection can turn a long-awaited musical delight into an acoustic nightmare.
Of course, this is not a concern in the professional music world. The fact that nothing squeaks and everything is in perfect tune is thanks to excellent concert technicians, who perform the necessary fine-tuning on the 88 keys of a concert grand piano before every concert. In »Insight Piano«, Simon Rempe, master piano builder at Steinway & Sons, and pianist Elisabeth Brauß explain what to look for in a piano and why different pianists prefer different models. The event begins at 18:00 with a guided tour of the Steinway & Sons production halls, followed by a short refreshment break with cold drinks, after which Simon Rempe and Elisabeth Brauß will offer fascinating insights into the collaboration between piano builders and pianists, accompanied by live music.
The audience can then delve even deeper into the world of piano music at Elisabeth Brauß’s concert at 19:30 on 24 November 2026 in the Elbphilharmonie Recital Hall.
The Elbphilharmonie’s »Insight« events give people deeper insights into musical phenomena. Experts in different fields explain aspects from their day-to-day work clearly and entertainingly and are happy to answer the public’s questions.
PERFORMERS
Elisabeth Brauß piano
Simon Rempe talk
Vincent Dahm moderation
Anne Kussmaul concept
PROGRAM
Domenico Scarlatti
Sonata in D major, K 119
Domenico Scarlatti
Sonata in A major, K 208
Domenico Scarlatti
Sonata in C minor, K 56
Robert Schumann
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18
Maurice Ravel
Prélude und Toccata
