Steinway & Sons

by Laura Lee Smith, Michael Feinstein (Foreword by)

Overview

Steinway & Sons is a unique entity in American history. Steinway is many things—an iconic piano, an American success story, a symbol of opulence, a metaphor for artistic passion, and a geographic locale. Part of the fabric of two New York City boroughs, Steinway occupies a compelling place in the minds and hearts of the millions of people, from pianists and students to artisans and salespeople, who have been impacted by the brand. From Steinway & Sons’ inception in 1853 until today, the company’s mission has stayed the same as the one German immigrant Henry E. Steinway articulated upon his arrival in America, “to build the best piano possible.” In the late 1800s, Steinway emerged as the standard-bearer in piano design and manufacturing, outshining and outlasting other brands including Chickering and Weber. Today, the Steinway piano is still built by hand in New York City according to the same stringent processes developed by Henry E. Steinway and his sons.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467104869
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/19/2020
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Novelist Laura Lee Smith, a longtime writer for Steinway & Sons, has created a chronicle of this dynamic company that provides a time capsule not just of piano history but also of American innovation and business acumen.

Table of Contents

Foreword 6

Acknowledgments 7

Introduction 8

1 From Germany to America: Steinway Arrives in New York City 9

2 Henry E. Steinway's Vision: To Build the Best Piano Possible 21

3 Wealth, Power, and Prestige: A Legacy Takes Shape 39

4 Craft and Creativity: The Rise of the Steinway Artisan 53

5 Steinway Village: The Company Comes to Astoria 65

6 Steinway Hall: Center of Music and Culture 81

7 A Time of Transition: Steinway during the War 99

8 People and Pianos: Steinway through the Decades 113