BÖSENDORFER PIANO'S


Freddie at the beautiful Bösendorfer grand at Sarm East Studios in London.

Model: Imperial
Amplification: Acoustic
Size: Concert Grand
Length: 9 ft 6 in (290 cm)
Keys: 97
 Origin: Vienna, Austria
Colours: Brown, Black

Sources: Rockfield Coach, Wessex, Townhouse & Musicland Studios
First Used: 'Sheer Heart Attack' sessions in Wales (probably)
Last Used: 'The Miracle' sessions in London

The company was founded in Vienna in the year of 1828 by Ignaz Bösendorfer. In 1900 Ferruccio Busoni suggested the construction of an eight-octave 290 cm concert grand piano, and gave the name 'Imperial' to that model, which is the biggest and most expensive piano that can be found commercially.

Famous Bösendorfer owners include Paul Anka, Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel, George Harrison, Marvin Hamlisch, Dustin Hoffman, Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie, Sting, Ron Wood, Stevie Wonder, Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner and John Williams.

Since Freddie was never too picky on instruments - he played whatever pleased his ears -, the reasons why he used Bösendorfer's so often were fortuitous, as they were housed at Rockfield, Wessex, Townhouse and Musicland Studios.

At Rockfield, it's possible he played the Bösendorfer during some 'Sheer Heart Attack' songs, but for 'Opera' it's well-known that he rented the white Bechstein instead. At Wessex, parts of 'Races' and 'News of the World' were done: for 'Races' he'd hired the Bechstein again, but for 'World' he probably did play it (especially on My Melancholy Blues, which sounds quite differently compared to live versions done with Freddie's Steinway).

For both Townhouse and Musicland sessions Freddie recorded using the Bösendorfer's located there. That includes 'The Game', parts of 'Hot Space', 'The Works', 'A Kind of Magic', 'The Miracle' and both of his solo projects.