Credits: Carl Sauter Pianofortemanufaktur GmbH & Co. KG I Peter Maly
Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Picture 4

Manufacturer
Carl Sauter Pianofortemanufaktur GmbH & Co. KG
DE-78549 Spaichingen
www.sauter-pianos.de

Design
Peter Maly
DE-21521 Aumühle
www.peter-maly.de

Far from ordinary in its appearance, extraordinary in terms of its materiality – the “anniversary piano” launched to mark the 200th birthday of the tradition-steeped Carl Sauter company breaks with the usual visual conventions. The two gently rounded sides of the body embrace the front section, forming an expanse of satin-finish walnut veneer that is interrupted only by two visible joints. The gleaming, black-lacquered console juts out almost abruptly at a right angle to the front. This striking contrast of materials is repeated in the panels that cover the top and bottom of the body. With its simple elegance, combined with the finest sound and action, the piano easily fits the bill for a masterpiece.

Jury
In a way, redesigning a product that’s conventionally defined by ingrained expectations of its appearance – like a musical instrument – is a risky venture. But as this piano goes to show, that can be a successful undertaking too. The monolithic body is contrasted with rounded edges, while the filigree feet make the piano seem to hover above the floor.