The complex technique of bookmatching utilizes successive veneer leaves turned over like pages in a book and joined edge to edge. The legs and lyre are solid walnut double-tapered pillars, a tribute to some of Steinway’s legendary Heirloom architecture styles, accented with inlaid walnut burl to complete this refined and subtly complex design. The elegant Europa III is a subtly differentiated encore presentation of his widely celebrated 2005 design, and has received Schrunk’s gold signature on the keylid, reserved for his finest work.

Theme and Inspiration
“Whenever one embarks on an art project it is necessary to have a goal, a statement that is the theme of the work,” says Mr. Schrunk.  “Because this project was a musical instrument, I thought it would be appropriate to use the musical terms ‘Rhythm’ and ‘Variations on a Theme’ as the design basis.  To be honest, once that was decided and the first element was designed, the others came about easily, almost automatically.  The use of these themes naturally then tied the various parts together as I moved from one element to the next”.

"Rhythm" is expressed in the repeating book matched veneers as they flow around the rim of the instrument.

"Variations on a Theme" is found in the various examples of the radial, or “fan” book matching on the music desk and the upper and lower surfaces of the lid and the fallboard. The book matching on the underside of the lid radiates from the center of the interior, the source of the sound, and emulates its movement up and out of the instrument toward the listener. The radial book matching on the lid focuses thoughtfully on the position of the seated pianist.

The Magnificent Burlwoods
Carpathian Elm Burl may be the most varied of all burls, and is amongst the most difficult to work with, but gives magnificent results. The Walnut burl serves as a rich, dark, and complex frame for the featured Carpathian burl.

The upper surface of the lid is of special note. In a display of rare skill, Schrunk executes a burl wood border which can only be achieved by book matching the lines right down to the miters at the corners. When the underside of the flap is folded over to rest on the opened lid, the lines of Walnut Burl are perfectly aligned with the Carpathian Elm Burl of the upper surface, completing the last iteration of the radial or “Fan” motif. “This may be the most complex piece of book matching done in this country or elsewhere,” Schrunk says.