The First Light Fazioli, an extraordinary masterpiece, has emerged as a striking centrepiece within Westbank Corp‘s landmark development in Seattle, WA.
Meticulously crafted by the artisans of Fazioli, this piano transcends its role as a mere instrument, manifesting as an immersive work of art that captures the quintessence of light and transforms it into a harmonious interplay of colour, shadow, and sound.
Specifically designed for the luminous First Light Seattle building, this architectural marvel is a stunning synthesis of vision brought to life through the collaboration of esteemed architect James K.M. Cheung and glass artist John Hogan.
Manuel Bernaschek, Showcase Pianos and Fazioli Agent, shared, “The First Light piano is a masterpiece! It is the first time Paolo Fazioli has worked with glass, and the result is breathtaking. I championed the idea of a transparent lid, and glass artist John Hogan introduced an innovative, colour-shifting glass that dazzles from every angle. Now, as the centrepiece of the lobby, its reflections transform the space with stunning light displays. Being part of this creative journey was truly rewarding!”
The First Light Fazioli stands as a recent testament to Westbank’s unwavering commitment to architectural artistry and innovation. Celebrated for their partnerships with distinguished architects and artists, including architect Kengo Kuma and origamist Joseph Wu, Westbank enlisted Fazioli to conceive a piano that resonates with the building’s ambiance—an intricate dance of Seattle’s natural light interwoven with Hogan’s exquisite glasswork installations.
AS BLACK AS NIGHT
The piano’s matte black exterior is both enigmatic and captivating. Each surface, from the casework to the castors, pedals, and even the Fazioli insignia, is enveloped in a sumptuous, velvety black finish that absorbs light, providing a striking contrast to the dazzling display above. The true alchemy resides in the piano’s lid: embedded with dichroic glass inserts, it metamorphoses light into a kaleidoscopic spectacle. Drawing inspiration from materials initially engineered by NASA to shield astronauts’ vision, the dichroic glass panels refract and transmit a spectrum of hues, casting dynamic patterns of light into the lobby and upon the piano itself.
As light filters through the lid’s 115 meticulously arranged glass panels, the space becomes suffused with colour, reminiscent of the ethereal beauty of stained glass. The all-black keyboard, encompassing both natural keys and sharps, adeptly directs attention to this vivid lid—a bold design choice acknowledged by professional pianists, who noted the unique tactile and visual experience it renders during the instrument’s inaugural performance. Their reflections attested to the extraordinary synergy of artistry and functionality that characterizes this unique Fazioli.
ART WITH A PURPOSE
Valued at an estimated $750,000, the First Light Fazioli is not merely an investment; it epitomizes Westbank’s visionary outlook, Fazioli’s unparalleled craftsmanship, and the transformative potential of light and colour in redefining spatial experiences and ephemeral moments. Now, in Seattle, this piano conjures music, light, and a profound sense of wonder for all fortunate enough to partake in its brilliance.
Read the original version of this story in Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine’s flippable version!
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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