Clara Haberkamp on the C2X espressivo
Clara Haberkamp is a German pianist and doctor of music whose artistic work combines a deep engagement with the classical repertoire and a strong affinity for contemporary and jazz music. Known for her clarity of musical structure, precision of touch, and expressive depth, she brings a highly differentiated and technically informed perspective to the evaluation of modern concert and practice instruments.
How would you describe the sound character of the C2X espressivo?
The sound is very powerful and immediately recognizable as a distinctive quality of the instrument. I found the overall richness, density, and carrying power to be remarkably high, with full sustain and a convincing variety of tone colors. The piano has a strong presence and can easily fill a large room with sound, clearly exceeding what one would normally expect from its size.
How does the instrument respond in terms of touch, control, and expressiveness?
The touch feels clear, direct, and very precise, allowing an extremely accurate reproduction of the music. Compared to concert pianos, the action is firmer, which makes it particularly suitable for practice and developing strength and control. The sound itself is highly expressive, rich in overtones, and offers a wide dynamic range. Individual voices remain clearly distinguishable at all dynamic levels, with a especially strong and supportive bass register.
How do you assess the piano’s size in relation to its performance and professional use?
The instrument feels significantly more powerful than its size would suggest and holds its own well against larger grand pianos in terms of sound depth and projection. It requires a good command of dynamics to fully shape the sound, which makes it ideal for practicing demanding repertoire. For students and professionals alike, it offers excellent support for developing precision, polyphonic clarity, and dynamic control, and it works well as a bridge between daily practice and performance preparation.
