1990, for the Bösendorfer piano factory, Vienna, cast metal frame, wooden corpus, black and red piano finish, 24 kt leaf gold, the interior of the rear lid decorated with painted golden ornament against a brilliant red ground, electric lifting mechanism for the lid, opus number to the cast metal frame: 41412–6168 and stamped: 41412, signed: Hans Hollein, length 225 cm, width 158 cm, height 97 cm, stool: height 48 cm, 66 x 37 cm. (DRAX)

Exhibited:
Hans Hollein, Museum der Stadt Wien, Vienna, 1995 - Hans Hollein als Universalkünstler, Neue Galerie am Landesmuseum Joanneum, Graz, 2011

This is the first “Hollein” grand piano ever realised and, at the same time, the prototype for the subsequent production. It remained with Hans Hollein, who owned it until his death in 2014. Having an edition of 33, this model was produced upon request until 2000.

The Austrian piano manufacturer Bösendorfer, one of the world’s leading builders of concert grands, has engaged prominent contemporary architects and artists ever since its foundation in 1828, entrusting them with designs that would reflect the spirit of their time. For example, Theophil Hansen, Hans Makart, and Josef Hoffmann, whose concert grand is now preserved in the Department of Historic Musical Instruments at the Vienna Hofburg, created instruments that are unique in their kind. Hans Hollein continued the company’s tradition, conceiving a spectacular new piano design featuring fragmented geometric forms and a luxurious finish.

Provenance:
apartment of Hans Hollein, 1040 Vienna

Lit.:
Architectural Record, November 1991, vol. 179, 11, p. 27.