For me,
piano is symbol of what is stiff, proper and elegant. It doesn't have faults, it is perfect. Pianists are most perfectionist people in world. They should not and can not make mistakes especially when performing. That is how I viewed piano and pianists. But then, I just found out I was wrong. A few researches and I have once again proven that appearances can be deceiving. The pianists we see play appear to be most formal and respectable stars on stage. They hold power and breath of audiences. They could look intimidating in their formal suits not to mention authority and air of arrogance they exude while on stage. They can be captivating.
But before we forget, these pianists are also human. And humans do make mistakes. Most of these mistakes can be frustrating and depressing. But then, there are also mistakes that are amusing and could also be totally hilarious. It shows how fun could be inserted even in most seemingly stuffy and proper event.
Here are some examples:
When asked for their definition of a piano, some famous musicians and musical enthusiasts have some famous replies:
•For David W. Barber (The Musician's Dictionary), a piano is a cumbersome piece of furniture found in many homes, where playing it ensures early departure of unwanted guests.
•Piano (n.) is a parlor utensil for subduing impertinent visitor. It is operated by depressing keys of machine and spirits of audience, according to Ambrose Bierce, an American journalist (The Devil's Dictionary). •A piano tuner is a person employed to come into home, rearrange furniture, and annoy cat. The tuner's chief purpose is to ascertain breaking point of piano's strings. Though these definitions may sound humorous, you can never miss ironies in it. Coming from people who live and breathe piano, these definitions seem odd. Here's more - when asked about their secrets in playing, you would certainly be surprised at how simple their secrets can be, and definitely applicable. •Australian pianist Artur Schnabel said, "I always make sure that lid over keyboard is open before I start to play". •"Nothing soothes me more after a long and maddening course of pianoforte recitals than to sit and have my teeth drilled", said George Bernard Shaw, a writer and a music critic.
