Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Piano Acquired by MBU
Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Piano Acquired by MBU
January 29, 2003
The Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano—an exquisite instrument, played on concert stages throughout the world—found a home on the Pillsbury Chapel stage at Missouri Baptist University on January 21, 2003. The instrument’s clarity of tone and richness of sound will grace student recitals and special event concerts.
The nine and a half foot beauty is Bösendorfer’s most famous instrument. The Imperial grand is 97-keyed, having nine extra low notes. Imperial grands were first made in 1892 when the extra keys were requested by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni to simulate Bach’s 32 foot organ composition, Passacaglia in C minor. The famous nineteenth-century German pianist, Franz Liszt, was known for playing with great strength and emotional drive. His playing of the Bösendorfer pianos made the company famous throughout Europe.
The addition of the Bösendorfer Imperial grand is another milestone in MBU’s endeavor for excellence as a music department. It will offer students the opportunity to play on the finest piano made today, an opportunity few will have outside the University. MBU strives to provide all students with the best faculty, technology and facilities. MBU has made special arrangements to acquire the Imperial grand and is still seeking funds for its purchase.
“Many consider it to be the Rolls-Royce of pianos. It is a great acquisition for the new Pillsbury Chapel,” states Dr. Ladd Faszold, Chair of the Fine Arts Division. “Our current piano students are thrilled to play this instrument—all you have to do is watch the expressions on their faces when they play it!” says Dr. Cathy Benton, professor of music.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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