The History of Bösendorfer
Bösendorfer is the great Viennese piano maker, and one of the oldest names still building pianos.
Founded in 1828
Ignaz Bösendorfer founded the firm in Vienna in 1828. The name was made early: the story goes that a Bösendorfer survived the ferocious playing of Franz Liszt when other pianos had failed, and word spread. Ever since, Bösendorfer has been associated with a warm, singing, distinctly Viennese sound.
The Viennese tradition
Bösendorfer built its reputation on classical and chamber music, and on that mellow, transparent tone. It has always made pianos in small numbers, by hand, which is part of why they are so prized.
Now owned by Yamaha
Since 2008 Bösendorfer has been owned by Yamaha, which has kept it as a separate, hand-built Viennese marque rather than folding it into its own range. The modern Bösendorfer is still very much a Bösendorfer.