Laredo, Texas. Last evening, June 8th’ 08.

Last evening we enjoyed a piano recital at the beautiful Mann residence.  Mrs. Mann graciously agreed to host the recital making available her Sauter Amadeus Edition Delta.  Maestro Sergio Pena of Nuevo-Laredo, Mexico, presented a didactic program introducing the audience to the intricacies of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations.  These are the only variations Bach ever wrote as he had thought that the variation format of composition was unrewarding.  But when called upon to write them, he transformed the format in a way no other composer has since dared to attempt.

Indeed few pianists today present the Goldberg Variations to a live audience.  This is true to such an extent that Dr. Ray Keck, president of Texas A & M International University, did a double-take when his receptionist mentioned the calendar appointment to him and asked her, “Did you say The Goldberg Variations?”  She called back to confirm, and we assured her that yes, indeed, the Goldberg Variations would be presented in their entirety.

Maestro Pena presented the variations in sets of ten by memory, pausing to introduce interesting historical anecdotes related to the composition and to discuss interpretational differences between the harpsichord and the piano demonstrating how those differences would sound.  He drew exquisite pianissimos and joyous fortissimos from the responsive instrument.  He demonstrated how the piano afforded the opportunity to dynamically layer the various voices in the canons and how to bring out the singing-line in the variations.

We relaxed as the engrossing intricacies of Bach’s superlative music washed over us while a distant thunderstorm softly rumbled and a light rain cleared the air.  To hear the Goldberg Variations presented live is an experience that is difficult to adequately express.  It takes you to a rare meditative state.  Dr. Keck requested that we hear variation 24 again commenting how Bach had achieved there what the impressionists had only dreamed of achieving.

Maestro Pena closed the concert with the Chopin E flat Major Nocturne with a very delicate pianissimo melody over even softer harp-like harmonies.  The Nocturne finished on a triumphant forte chord. 

The artist and audience alike commented on how wonderful the instrument sounded.  A perfect tuning and the artist’s touch displayed the Sauter lush-singing-tone to great advantage.  The presence of Sauter Pianos in Laredo has opened up new venues for great music-making.

Notes:  Mr. Andrew Anderson is the owner of Artisan Pianos and the Authorized Sauter Dealer for San Antonio, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.

Photo 1. : Sauter Model Amadeus 6′1”, Mrs. Mann, Sauter Owner, Mr. Strmec - Vice President Sauter US Operations,  Photo 2.: Enthusiastic music connoisseurs enjoying an evening at the Mann Mansion

Singen, Germany. The main focus of Hegau Gymnasium is to provide its students an integrative and well-rounded educational experience in preparation for university. Thus, music is a vital part of the curriculum and emphasis is placed to provide the finest tools available. The school had utilized a Steinway B grand piano which had been provided by the city government. The time came to replace the instrument. The school officials wanted to find something equal or better to the beautiful instrument they had used. Sauter Piano was considered along with other manufacturers of highest quality.

The school was looking not only for a beautiful sound but also for an instrument that could handle intensive daily use for many years to come. Given that instrument would be used also by younger children there was an expressed desire for a very light and responsive action. Finally,  the instrument would serve for the school’s recitals with 150-300 parents present and school officials wanted a grand piano with adquate projection power.

Part of the decision making process included also a visit to the Sauter Factory where the professors were provided with a private tour guided by the Head of Production, Matthias Jansch, and had the possibility to play among several instruments. Despite very extracting comparisons with the  two other  major German  manufacturers the School decided to purchase a Sauter semi-concert grand, the Omega 220.

Links:

http://www.hg.kn.bw.schule.de/

Every year during the summer the craftsmen of the world’s oldest piano manufacturer prepare a long afternoon of good food, fun and laughter. Everyone - from apprentice to our senior pianobuilder- participates and enjoys the cameraderie in our company. This year we decided to extend the invitation to every customer who wants to join us and who purchases a Sauter instrument from an Authorized Sauter Dealer from Feb. 1 until May 7 to come to Germany and be part of our Summerfest.

The trip will be from June 22nd to June 25 of 2008.  It will include a tour of the Sauter factory, a visit to the city of Rottweil- one of the oldest cities in Germany-, concerts, a visit to the Castle of Hohenzollern which was the last residence of the German Imperial Family, and a day trip to Bodensee with the possibility of wine tasting of the local wineries. It has been also arranged between the CEO of Porsche Car Company and Mr. Ulrich Sauter that those interested in visiting the Porsche Factory can participate in a private tour.

The trip will be hosted by Mr. Ulrich Sauter  - who represents  the sixth generation of the Sauter family  to lead the factory. He is also the president of the German Pianobuilder Association and on the Board of the Association of German Piano Builders.

This promotion is for U.S. customers. For promotional details please contact your Authorized Sauter Dealer.

Recently I had the chance to talk to one of our customers from New Jersey. He is not only a very influential real estate developer in New Jersey but also the owner of a beautiful Sauter Grand Piano. His mansion is adorned with a Sauter Vivace 6′9”. 

The owner envisioned a house that was open to the landscape, a home that would not only feel warm and welcoming from the inside and the outside but also bring the outdoors in.

 The house’s design and orientation incorporate many corners and wide windows to take advantage of the 270-degree of natural views. There are no flat ceilings, instead angles, soffits, and niches lend a sculptural quality to the interiors. The house includes five fireplaces, three of which emanate from a large central chimney.

Natural cherry and maple woods, Tennessee crab orchard stone, and African slate in autumnal colors give the interiors modern warmth. The central piece of the living room is a Sauter Vivace 6′9”. Part house, part gallery, the contemporary design accomodates an extensive art collection and a growing family.