Nils Frahm marked the first-ever Piano Day with a surprise record earlier today. Available as a free MP3 and WAV download, Solo was also pressed as a physical CD/LP to benefit piano builder David Klavins. Here’s what Frahm had to say about his very own holiday, along with a streaming version of one new song:
Seconds later it came to my mind: I was about to create my own holiday in order to come up with a reason for this release. Moreover, if I could be proud of something, then of being responsible for an annual celebration of the piano. And here comes the best bit, Piano Day will happen on the 88th day of the year, which most of the time is the 29th of March. Piano Day is intended to be the most joyful of all holidays.
If we meet our goal, piano builder David Klavins can fulfill his lifelong dream and build the Klavins M450. Our friend David Klavins isn’t out for profit on this one. As he is only driven by hearing his invention himself, he simply wants materials and labor to be covered. I will donate all income generated with ‘Solo’ until the financial means are achieved. Building the Klavins M450 will take about two years and we are confident that we will organize a festival around this incredible invention on Piano Day 2017 here in Berlin.
My new record ‘Solo’ was recorded on the prototype of the instrument under discussion. Although being a slightly smaller version with 3.7 meters in height, the Klavins M370 is already tremendous and gigantic sounding. But listen for yourself and see if the sound is worth the effort. I have, of course, no doubt it is. If you also feel that the world is in need for an instrument like this, please feel free to donate by buying the record or by donating online. It is much appreciated and everyone who donates or signs up to the newsletter will receive infrequent updates on the building of this unique instrument. Now I have two years to organize a room to place it in and make it accessible to as many ears and hands as possible.
