Recording Services
Background
In December 2004, PianoForte Chicago started producing its own recordings. We focused initially on recording the solo repertoire, but soon began producing mixes of vocal and small-scale chamber music. As our musical programming at the PianoForte Foundation has become more ambitious, we have developed necessarily more advanced resources in our recording and production operations. Our technical capabilities and equipment now allow us to produce high-quality recordings of solo piano, piano duo, vocal music, small-to-medium chamber groups, and jazz ensembles.
Our recordings are perfect for :
* Artist promotional materials
* Competition or Audition submissions
* Performance or recital mementos
* Self-study (the tape never lies!)
* Gifts for one’s adoring fans or loved ones otherwise
Fees
Our standard recording fee is $100 per hour (with a one hour minimum), but may vary according to the client’s needs. Our emphasis on emerging talent also keeps us keen to the needs of our local students, and we are willing to adapt to unique situations.
Resources
The resources at PianoForte Recording Services allow us to produce recordings of extremely high quality.
Our greatest asset is the inimitable depth and sound of our Fazioli and Schimmel pianos. These instruments are situated within the warm and resonant acoustics of our concert salon in the Fine Arts Building. The relative acoustic ”dryness” of these spaces furnishes a strong template for any post-production enhancements that might be desired for the final recording.
Video Recordings
The studio space offers an intimate and private atmosphere. Our stage also has integrated lighting that perfectly accommodates the many video recordings which have been produced here as well. Please note that PianoForte Recording Services does not produce its own video recordings, but has in-building resources specializing in precisely this work, as per your needs!
Equipment
Our equipment allows us to work in two distinct modes, as dictated by the specific needs of the client:
- a pure analog signal chain into a direct-to-disc mix, allowing for the immediate on-site production of a CD with further master-quality copies available in seconds, or:
- a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup, recording directly into Apple’s Logic Pro software, which then allows for full rage of further digital production and/or editing within the modern “virtual studio”.
In either setup, the recordings can be further edited, spliced, or enhanced when desired. Please contact us to discuss your ambitions, and we will provide the appropriate setup.
PianoForte Chicago uses the very same equipment to record the weekly concerts which it presents itself. Because the recording quality has been vetted and appreciated by the classical radio station, segments of these live recordings are later broadcast on our local classical station, WFMT98.7.
But listen for yourself! Please enjoy some Mp3-quality samples of our work here:
INSERT RECORDINGS
For uncompressed CD-quality samples please contact nik@pianofortefoundation.org.
Booking
If you are interested in our recording services, please contact:
Nikolas Lund
(773) 307-8564
nik@pianofortefoundation.org
You may also contact our Director:
Thomas Zoells
(312) 291-0000
thomas@pianofortefoundation.org
For other visits, we are open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, with exception of holidays and days when the Fine Arts Building is closed.
Want to hear someone else demonstrate the sound of the pianos in our salon? Check our concert schedule on www.pianofortefoundation.org.