Toccata in D minor opus 11
Visions Fugitives opus 2 2 (set of 20 pieces)
Suggestion Diabolique opus 4 no. 4
Sonata no. 6 in A major opus 82
Sonata no. 7 in B flat major opus 83 (‘Toccata’)
Sonata no. 8 in B flat major opus 84
PURCHASE
Not everyone who buys a piano wants to keep it forever. Many families buy one for their
children with the intention of disposing of it after several years. A properly serviced and
well maintained piano could last for up to a hundred years but, as with new cars, a new
piano will lose a substantial part of its value the moment it leaves the showroom. Even
the finest piano is not a good proposition as a pure investment but it is possible to buy a
useful piano that will hold its value for many years if it is properly maintained.
It is best to decide first how much is to be spent on the piano. A good piano will last a
long time so, although it may seem like a lot of money initially, over the period of usage
it is very little. It is advisable to get the best piano that one can afford.
A baby grand piano does not take up much more room than an upright piano. The width
is the same but a very small grand piano will only have two to three feet more depth than
an upright piano. The term ‘baby grand’ means any grand piano less than six feet long.
Terms such as ‘boudoir’, ‘concert’ and ‘drawing room’ grand are not used any more.
Grand pianos are now referred to by length.
Grand pianos have a better action than upright pianos. In a grand piano gravity helps the
hammers return when a key is released. In an upright piano this is achieved with springs,
which add extra resistance to the action and can lead to an uneven response over time.
Some small grand pianos (4’6” and below) made up to about 1938 have a ‘jack’ action
which is inferior to the ‘roller’ action. Avoid ‘jack’ action pianos if you want a grand
piano as a serious instrument Many older ‘Blüthner pianos have the ‘Blüthner patent
action’ which looks similar to the jack action but is a far superior mechanism and in
many ways as good as a roller action.
A large upright piano (118 cm and above) will have a better tone than a baby grand.
Many baby grands are built more as furniture pieces than as quality instruments. Beware
of an instrument less than 5’8”.
Decide whether a fancy casework or a good tone is more important to you, and whether
you want the piano as furniture or as a good performing instrument. Generally speaking,
the fancier the casework the older the piano, and the older the piano the more wear and
tear and the more primitive the action will be.