Yamaha Pianos in conversation with Peter Salisbury

One of the UK's leading piano technicians discusses his role; how the piano technician contributes to the overall sound and copes with the requirements of top artists in demanding circumstances. He also explains, in some detail, what makes the Yamaha CFX so special from a technical viewpoint.

Peter Salisbury is one of the world's leading and most respected concert piano technicians. A Yamaha CFX enthusiast, he has been the senior concert technician at London's Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre for over 22 years.
The Southbank Centre is one of the most successful artistic venues in the world, attracting over three million visitors annually. It hosts over 1000 ticketed music, dance, and literature events each year and boasts a thriving and internationally renowned educational programme that introduces thousands of young people to music.

Peter's main responsibility is the maintenance of the extensive fleet of concert grand pianos, including Yamaha's CFX. He also oversees the Southbank's prestigious International Piano Series, which requires setting up the pianos for specific artists. This process often involves detailed discussion with the artists in advance of the performance and the creation of specific voicing, tone and action regulation. It's here that the Yamaha CFX excels, according to Peter.

In addition to his Southbank Centre work, Peter travels the world servicing concert grand pianos for many leading artists and concert halls. His efforts can also be heard on many acclaimed and award winning recordings including CDs by Stephen Hough, Alfred Brendel, Evgeny Kissin, Stephen Kovacevich and Leif Ove Andsnes.

Describing his thoughts on the CFX Peter explains, "We have a beautiful Yamaha CFX here at the Southbank. In my opinion the CFX has a hugely lyrical tone. These special characteristics are rare because so many pianos seem to be built solely on the basis of power and projection – of course the CFX excels in this area too! I am regularly told by many of the world's top pianists how easy the action is to play and how the treble sings. At the Southbank the Yamaha CFX has been selected for all styles of playing from Boulez to Debussy – and everything in between!"