Which Steinway concert grand piano will I pick for my recital? 

I've never really thought about the difference in sound in concert pianos, even of the same brand. Interesting to hear, the difference is really obvious!

I really love that mindset of yours! I used to be so sad that I don't own an acoustic piano, and people kept telling me that with a digital I wouldn't be able to make it as a pianist. But, I just learned to adapt to the sometimes very weird key action of my digital piano and even though this is no 'real' sound coming out of the piano's speakers, I realised that I can change colours and present a piece in different ways. I mean, playing on it still is different from a real piano. But, the result, the way your interpretation sounds is all that matters. So don't blame the piano (unless it's broken and really useless😅). You can grow with any instrument as a musician. Even with digital ones!🎶 Never give up❤👍 Peace out🍀

I'm a gospel pianist, at the mercy of the churches across the country I play in. I've played everything from a New York D to some pretty bad uprights, so hearing a classical pianist talking about challenging herself to find the tones in a piano is fascinating because you get to pick from the best and well regulated instruments, but still you love the challenge that we church musicians hate, but it's part of our jobs. You do some amazing work!

It’s so interesting to see how each piano can bring out different qualities.

Beethoven said: "Playing with wrong notes is not important, playing with no passion is inexcusable". So don't worry for a couple of slips 😁

I absolutely adore the depth of explanation you give in describing this process and all your insights in these videos. You articulate your thoughts so well, that it really completes the picture of what you’re trying to accomplish and how. Thank you for letting us live vicariously in your beautiful 🌎 ! ❤️

Your recital was one of two recitals that I was able to attend that day. I enjoyed your program. Thank you for coming out here.

I LOVED CLASSICAL MUSIC AS A YOUTH ESPECIALLY THE PIANO BUT AS I GREW OLDER ROCK MUSIC TOOK MY FANCY AND NOW KPOP (YES!). BUT FINDING YOUR CHANNEL I RENEWED MY INTEREST IN CLASSICAL MUSIC. I ESPECIALLY LOVE YOUR TRANSPARENCY REGARDING THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY YOU ARE TAKING, AN EXPLANATION OF YOUR TAKE ON THE PIECES YOU PLAY AND A PEEK INTO THE DYNAMICS OF THE INSTRUMENT ITSELF. YOU HELPED SAVE MY LIFE DURING A VIRTUAL LOCKDOWN DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. I KNOW YOU GET EMBROILED IN CONTROVERSY BUT I IGNORE IT. YOU HAVE DONE YOUR PART TO RENEW OR CREATE A NEW INTEREST IN CLASSICAL MUSIC. IN THIS DAY AND AGE EVERYONE FROM PRESIDENTS TO MUSICIANS MUST MAINTAIN A POSITION IN SOCIAL MEDIA IF THEY ARE TO BE RELEVANT TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN REACH. IT HAS IT'S PITFALLS AND PROBLEMS BUT I LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH RU-vid. PLEASE DON'T STOP; IGNORE THE NAYSAYERS. I AM ONE THAT YOU HAVE BROUGHT BACK TO THE FOLD FOR WHICH I AM GRATEFUL.

Tiffany, your concert Sunday was stellar! Thank you for sharing your exquisite talent with us iin San Francisco. Looking forward to your next visit!

Welcome to SF and thanks for sharing your process. I hope you have a great first visit. Can’t wait to hear you with the Hamburg in two days! 🎹🎼

Thanks to you and Steinway/S.F., for giving us a sit-in & listen-in on your playing and selection process! It's always great to hear someone in the stratosphere of ability, testing out some music that is also in the stratosphere of composition, on a stratospheric instrument! It just doesn't get any better. Except the actual concerts, of course! Fred PS. Thanks for the attributions for all the pieces. I for one, really appreciate that!

Beautyful editing! Once piece, two instruments, one video, perfect transitions.

Your mind set on picking the piano is like an organist like myself. I accept that each pipe organ is different and so I have to adjust on what I’m dealing with and making the best sound I could on that organ. I love your video contents and your musical style. Wishing you the best on your concert tomorrow!

So fascinating to watch you test the pianos Tiffany - and thank you for taking us with you!!!! Oh and hearing you play beloved Scarlatti reminds me to thank you for getting me into Scarlatti too!!!! 🎵🎹🎵🎹🎵🎵🎹🙂🙂🙂🤗😍

I love when you do these piano "comparison" videos! I remember you did this for the Mozart concertos and it really made me think about what I do/need to listen to when I play...

Your videos remind me of a rainy day with a warm cup of tea, in a good way. Theyre so calming

The position of the pianos makes for a slightly slanted comparison. But that's inconsequential when dealing with fabulous instruments like these, prepped by a skilled dealer. The Hamburg piano is reflecting off the brick wall, while the NY has another piano mostly in the way, maybe even creating some sympathetic resonance. Also, really enjoyed the playing and interpretations!

Bought some tickets to Tiffany’s concert and we’re so excited! Her playing is nothing short of exquisite and her vlogs are absolutely delightful

i really like your videos. you are well spoken, do interesting musician things, are very talented and not a stereotypical cringe artist. as someone that has always loved classical piano, but just started playing as an adult, these videos are definitely motivating to keep getting better.

I must admit I have not heard of the Hamburg pianos but being as knowledgeable as you are I think you made the right choice, considering the technical things you would like to use it for and the size of the concert area. I look forward to seeing your videos as I just discovered you as a performing artist just now! You are so talented and I know it has come from lots of hard work on you part. Best of luck and continued success!

Such a great peek into what a professional pianist does to prepare for a concert. So cool to see this!

Thank you, kind Miss Poon. As you often say, you are privileged for doing what you love. In return, we are privileged for viewing from the wings. Cannot emphasize enough the clarity of *what* you are expressing in these intimate vlogs and *how* you are doing it -- great editing, that is. Wishing all safe, all well for tomorrow and always. Waving from Istanbul.

So happy to see real life concert content again. Keep striving Tiffany. Wish you to fulfill every goal you have

I really like the adjectives and words you use to describe the sound/tones, it makes it easier to fully grasp the differences. Toi toi toi for the concert!

From the first explorations, I felt sure you would choose the New York piano, I think it is more like your home piano. Not that it matters too much and the greater clarity of the Hamburg could have dividends in the concert hall.

So happy to see your vlog and your smile again.... Makes my day.....

I love Steinway pianos so much

Really fun and interesting video. Hope you tell us after the concert how you felt about the relationship of hall acoustics and piano. FWIW I’m not a musician but even on YT I thought the sound difference was obvious.

You seem so animated and happy out there! Getting back into the routine that you thrive in!! Have a wonderful time and a great concert! Beautiful post by the way... the colors, the editing, the quality of the recording. Stunning!

How wonderful to have a choice! You couldn't go wrong with either. Giving yourself a challenge is brave and exciting and should keep you focused during the concert. Best of luck!

In this particular video the NY had a well-rounded tone to my ears, but I think you made a good choice picking the Hamburg. It will take time getting adjusted to how you would play more intimately on that one, but it can also achieve a huge sound. That being said, I'm glad that you're NY Steinway in your apartment and all the new NY models have the rounded "shoulders" because it's easy to come into a room like this San Francisco Steinway showroom with preconceived notions of the NY vs Hamburg pianos, especially when it was a choice between just those too. The difference in materials between the two factories is shrinking too. I hope you come to perform in Chicago one day!

This is my favorite type of content on this channel as well! In fact my first video was another Steinway selection vlog lol

I could listen to Tiffany play on an old Wurlitzer upright and be happy. Incredible Talent and Grace. And she is BEAUTIFUL IN & OUT! God Bless Her.. 👍✊✌️❤️

Tiffany apologizing to the picture of Beethoven is exactly the type of content I'm here for.

Hi Tiffany, Interesting and fun; thank you for taking us along!

That was a fun “speed-dating” event! Loved the Scarlatti conversation between the Hamburg and NewYork.

Well, there is my answer. I am glad you like making these types of videos because they are my favorite too. I think it was you picking out your new Model B friend that convinced me to subscribe here. Your excitement for the opportunity and process was, and still is, very apparent.

Christina is so cool!!

These video's are compelling viewing. I wish I could go to one of her concerts.

I really appreciate your ability to compare the pianos in such a way that I can hear exactly what you are talking about! Thank you!!

In the Chopin Competition (Warsaw, 2021), each competitor gets 15 minutes to choose one of the five pianos to play for their rounds. Once decided, they have to stick with their choice through the competition. The eventual winner, Bruce Liu, chose the Fazioli and reportedly knew right away that was the piano he wanted to play on for the competition. The five pianos to choose from were: a Yamaha, a Kawai, a Fazioli and two Steinways. Most of the competitors (64 or about 75%) chose to play on one of the Steinways. 9 people selected the Yamaha, 8 the Fazioli piano, and 6 the Kawai piano. Interestingly, all three "Fazioli pianists" admitted to the final round were prize winners, Bruce Liu, the first prize; Martin Garcia Garcia, the third prize; Leonora Armellini, the fifth prize. The second prize winner Alexander Gadjiev, played a Kawai, as well as JJ Jun Li Bui the sixth prize winner. As some people have commented, the age of Steinway is almost over.

Love the video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and playing both pianos.

No doubt. You chose the right one. Not only more interesting to play but also to listen. We're not listening in order to be put to sleep (-;

Yeah for me it's the Hamburg without question. I get the difficulties and advantages that come with both options though. Also my option would be based on home usage, not concert

What a coincidence. On Tiffany's March Patreon Q&A I asked her a question about piano selection for each venue she plays. I assumed the venue provided the piano, but in this instance it's Steinway that steps up and gives her a choice of two of their excellent pianos. She hasn't posted her answers to the Q&A yet, but now I have a clue. Way to go, Steinway! 👏👏

The biggest difference (on this video) is due to one piano being closer to the microphone. There seem to be other obvious differences but is very hard to judge from unequal micing.

Looking forward to your Sunday concert.

Hearing your rationale for the decision is so beautiful! I think I just got a new dream to see you perform live in person. Am I fan girling right now?!? 🤩

First impressions (a few mins in), the piano on the right is brighter, they're both beautiful, but I think I prefer the left side, It's very slightly thicker, but the margin of preference is tiny, either in isolation are 'perfect', you need to hear them call an respond to hear the difference.

🤩 Great channel Tiffany. So many memories coming back through the trips you invite us 🙏🏻

Thakks, Tiffany Wosh I had run into you there at my local Steinway store! It was great to hear those NY and Hamburg side by side as I have been looking for an older Hamburg.. I appreciate how you wanted to learn to use the Hamburg's qualities to hone your skills. Sounded amazing. I wish I had been able to go to the Herbst to hear you live.

Fantastic video! Loved hearing the Hamburg and the New York compared side by side like this. Also loved hearing your thought process. Hearing you reach for expression on those keys and seeing you process the differences was amazing. Feel free to share a longer version of this video if you're of a mind to do so, as it would be even more fascinating. You're a gift to us all!

like you said: its all about setting and repertoire, and you absolutely right about combination of New Yorker and Chopin.

Gosh, I haven't been back to piano music in a while. Thanks for introducing them with the titles!

Was it Rachmaninoff looking so interestedly from the painting when you explained your choice? So cool. And also good to see you in such excellent spirits before your concert. Best of luck!

I wish I could hear the difference in the concert hall so bad

How beautiful!! Thank you for the vlog, I know it must be busy rn :)

Awesome video, worth to watch and recommend. And yes, you made the correct choice (given the fact that you had 2 days to get used to it)- that Hamburg has wider color range and better sound projection, good for the venue which, (from what I saw), might have dry-ish acoustics. So cool that you could choose a piano for your concert. Most young pianists have to work with what they got. Best wishes for a successful recital!!

Apart from anything else, I love the edits in this. I agree with your final choice. In bocca al lupo !

I learn so much both from the self-directing annotation/comments as well as the nonjudgmental way in which they're offered. Just seeing you do approach the instrument and little insights like "not together enough" or "need to be closer to the keys" feels like a private lesson.

I can definitely hear the difference, the Hamburg is the great choice! So much brighter and fitting for your repertoire. :-) Good luck, Tiffany! ♫

Such a fun visit and a pleasure to hear your thoughts.......and I've never played a piano, hhhhmmm. Thanks so much!

Already bought the tickets to the recital!

Interesting video. I prefer a piano with warm tones and exquisite, deep base. It's my job, as a pianist, to make the piano "talk/speak" with emotion, happy, sad, calm, excited. Aren't pianos WONDERFUL!

Both pianos sound gorgeous but it's surprising how different they can be! Fascinating!

Proud to be a Patreon

All the best! Hope someday I will have the privilege of seeing you in live performance. With lots of love.

I think NewYorker sounded warmer and rounder(the word learnt in this video). Hamburger sounded sharper, brighter, sparkling (again learnt in this video)

Interesting that an instrument will challenge you to get the best out of it. Never thought of a Piano like that before. Fascinating.

Thanks you so much for showing us your world and thought process. I enjoyed this so much.

It’s cool that you are choosing the challenging Piano with more „Risk and Reward“ ;)

Danke sehr für das Video!

I think you made a great choice. The seating and the people in the concert hall will take the edge off the piano tone so I think you made the right choice. I feel that the Hamburg piano will respond better to accuracy and precision. It will be a hard taskmaster.

Thank you for sharing with us your experience choosing a Steinway for the concert. I think you made the right decision 🎶😉

That was cool. Have fun and good luck on Sunday!!!

It’s interesting to see how the pianos differentiate from each other.

Hope you have a wonderful concert!!

these are my fav type of vids from your channel!

To compare these pianos to the two great violin makers, Stradivari and Guarneri Del Gesu: I would say the the New York (left) piano is more like a Strad, in that it is warm with a full sound, isn't too harsh, still speaks clearly. It's very colourful. The Hamburg (right) piano is more like a Guarneri del Gesu: it speaks and says "I'm HERE!" haha. It has a brilliance in tone, is very responsive, bright, (seemingly) louder than the other piano and seems to be a piano made for encores rather than deeper repertoire. I could be wrong, but this is just the way I see and hear it!

oh man, I'm here in SF and I'm just seeing this..I could have seen you play!! D'oh!

I love when you do piano picks, truly fascinating to me.

I cannot BELIEVE I have to work tomorrow night after waiting so long for you to come to San Francisco, Tiffany. 😩 Alas, some of us musicians have to go when called, even if it's in Folsom! (Look it up!) But I just want to welcome you to the Bay Area and I sincerely hope you'll have a great concert tomorrow. Wishing you all the best. ❤💐

I love your vlogs so much omgg

I love the clear melody of Hamburg. Ich mag ihn sehr ;) Thx for sharing your experience.

If your heart says this is what you want, just follow it. Your performance and emotions is the most important in the audience. 🔥❤️😊

A great window into the ever-morphing creative process. Ms. Poon indeed takes the truer artist path of wanting to rise to the challenge of having a wilder horse to ride that, if she can tame, will give her so much more reward than the staid, pleasant one that is predicted, yet has less to say. An artist is restless by nature and will choose the path of exploration and discovery. Otherwise, the artist’s soul will become stagnant, restless, and dissatisfied. The artist’s process only ends when one gives up the ghost. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

love the way you play such a an amazing style!

i always love watching your thought processes in choosing pianos. i hope i'll get to see you live one day and hopefully meet you too. also would love to be able to play on a steinway one day. it's the dream

Courageous girl! 🧡

great Video! your playing is so relaxing.

Good choice. It would be tough for me as well to pick. Both are beautiful. I would have made the same choice as you and got the German one. I like a brighter piano with more clarity. Enjoy having a sensitive action.

Congratulations . very difficult decision on a model D. some are very brigth and loud. I think they would belong in a large concert hall. For home I like a more mellow warm sound , not too loud. Then action is important and I did not feel they change much. I found it very sensitive to humidity, so I keep 60% humidity year around . Only tuned by Steinway trained technicians.

Fun fact, if you like: You can tell the difference between a New York and Hamburg Steinway model D at a glance. Easy to see from 1:55 to 6:53 if you look closely on full screen 1080p. Spoiler below. The arms at the ends of the keyboard are square (NY) or rounded (Hamburg). The inside of the rim is black (NY) or Rosewood (Hamburg). It seems this doesn't apply to recent model Bs. Tiffany's is from New York but has the case features of a Hamburg model. The Julliard model Bs in Tiffany's early videos have the New York features.

I love these kind of videos!!! For my taste, I prefer the Hamburg Steinway; I feel you can get more of a variety of tone colors out of this piano over the New York Piano

They both sound Incredible !

The right one sound so cristal clear, the touch must be very sensible. I'm kinda glad you choose it ^^

Never knew that picking out a piano could be so much fun. Have more fun on Sunday!

Well. I must confess that I prefer the fuller, warmer sound of the New York Steinway. I get the impression that the New York Steinway is a bit more forgiving and as you said Tiffany “cozy” where the Hamburg instrument presents more of a challenge. Which of course mastered can bring pleasant rewards. Me? I would opt for more cozy and predictable depending on my mood.

The Hamburg one just sounds so much more special. A lot more body. The New York one sounds "less Steinway" and closer to a generic brand like Yamaha (in comparison).

The NY piano is fantastic! :) Love you!