Bösendorfer Pianos are Viennese Excellence
Based out of Vienna, Austria, Bösendorfer makes some of the worlds finest grand pianos and upright pianos. Founded in 1828 by Ignaz Bösendorfer, the son of a carpenter, Bösendorfer has also been the only piano manufacturer to continuously uphold the rich history of Viennese piano making.
In 1839, after the company had been in business for only 11 years, Ignaz Bösendorfer was awarded the title "Imperial and Royal Court and Chamber Piano Manufacturer" by the Austrian emperor. The same year, Bösendorfer grand pianos won gold medals and first prize in Vienna at the Industrial Exhibition. Bösendorfer won again in 1845. The Bösendorfer grand piano was an overnight success after standing up to the punishment of a performance by pianist Franz Liszt, who was well known for destroying every other piano with his strong, forceful, almost violent technique.
In 1859, Iganz Bösendorfer died and the company was taken over by his son, Ludwig Bösendorfer, who is himself a talented musician. He is awarded a patent "for the invention of an extraordinary pianoforte mechanism" in 1860.
Today, Bösendorfer is owned by BAWAG-P.S.K. Group, Austria's third largest banking company. Bösendorfer vows "to continue to maintain both the highest quality of materials used, as well as our traditional hand-crafted production methods, that Bösendorfer are deservedly renowned for."
A list of Bösendorfer piano owners includes such names as Tori Amos, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Paul Anka, Wolfgang Ambros, ABBA, Geri Allen, Francisco Araiza, Stefan Arnold, Charles Aznavour, Christian Ludwig Attersee and many others.