Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum grand obsession news and events--updates

é é

ha!

I'm new here, and in fact, I came to these forums because of your book - and what a wonderful book it is. Happy belated birthday!

very cool, larisa! welcome to pianoworld. how did you hear about the book?

and thanks for the birthday wishes. i'm glad you enjoyed the book.

You missed a great party Larisa. My impressions on the day is on page 3 of this forum topic.

- Mark

I just downloaded "Grand Obsession" on my Kindle Cyber reader and have almost finished reading it.

Since I am reading it electronically, may I ask are there any photos of the fascinating people she encounters in the hardcover edition?

Thanks,

Lyn Bronson

Hi Lyn,

As one of the not so fascinating people in the book :-), I can tell you there are no pictures in the hard cover.

However, you can find a number of pictures of people in the book here on the forums.

Some examples:

SoCAL NAMM Party & Book Signing
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/20133.html

LA Times Article with pictures
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/20903.html

NYC PianoThon, Book Reading, and Book Signing
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/1/20395/3.html

NY Piano Crawl (2003)
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/22/18.html

lyn,
the book's website also has a collection of photos, videos, radio interviews, and a sound clip, as well as links to the sites of many of the characters (and those sites have lots of photos):

www.grandobsession.com

click on "news & events" "new york events" "california events" and "links".

but the links frank posted also have forum members' accounts of the events.

Finished reading your wonderful book, Grand Obsession, one hour ago. Having been on a quest for a grand piano for our church in Tacoma for over two months, I had some similar experiences to yours early on (meeting Darrell and Heather Fandrich at their home/studio/piano barn), and of course trying out at least two or three dozen pianos, including the some of the pianos at the "110 Steinways Show" in Seattle last November.

Quite by luck (at the recommendation of piano technician Michael Reiter) I encountered a restored/refinished Model O 1928 Hamburg Steinway...and when I sat down to play, it was very similar to what you describe when you found your Grotrian, "Marlene." The treble sound is creamy, round and bell-like. I fell in love with this piano. Our story ends with Hamburg Steinway now singing out our church as of two month ago, thanks to generous donations from our parishioners.

Thanks for bringing such a marvelous story to those who love the piano, and for the insights to better understand the sometimes temperamental nature of these instruments (vis a vis temperature, humidity, and of course, the effects of simply playing the instrument).
Brava!

David Dahl, Director of Music Ministries,
Christ Episcopal Church, Tacoma, WA
(Also, personal owner of a rare 1885 Henry Miller upright pedal piano (30 note pedalboard that plays coupled at 16' pitch.)

thank you, david. i am so glad to know you enjoyed the book. and congratulations on your hamburg steinway. they are indeed very close in personality to the grotrians.

special alert to pacific northwesterners. classical grands of seattle is going to host a book reading/signing/piano party in mid-april as part of their grand reopening celebration at their new/old store in north seattle.

we are looking at dates from april 11 to 16th. does anyone have a preference? week night? weekend?

Perri,
Is that you and Marlene playing at the intro to your website?

it's me and marlene's distant cousin in new york.

Just finished the book in less than a week! Really wonderful. Now I understand why I love pianos so much. My parents could never understand why I was so facinated by different instruments(They think their old untuned Lester Console in the living room is as good as it gets) On my 3rd piano since 1996 (Petrof 131 now, some kind of big grand is my next goal). Great reading!

Among all the terrific things about Pique's book, perhaps the most wonderful (for me, also a professional writer):

She had faith in her unique idea, worked hard, saw things through, and has seen the successful realization of her concept.

All this should give us confidence to pursue our ideas and dreams ....

BTW, read through my copy twice and it's even better the second time around!

I'm glad Woody asked that question. It made me go back and listen. I recognize that Chopin prelude, and your playing is lovely, Pique.

Went to grandobsession.com and listened to the music playing when the site comes up ... beautiful and heartfelt playing by Pique!

Perri,
I just completed your book and wanted to say thanks. It's nice to know that other people can feel things the same way you do. Two questions if I may.
1. When do your fans get to experience you and Marlene?
2. Can you still tear-up when the two of you play?

Hi, Perri:

I've been meaning to post for some time. Sorry it's taken so long.

Lloyd and I both have finished reading your book. I don't know that I can put into words any better what so many people here are saying, so I'll just say: WAY TO GO, PIQUE: IT'S TERRIFIC!

Congratulations! I wish you much success with your book and Lloyd and I send our regards to you, your husband and.....Marlene!



Jeanne W

P.S. Anyone who is thinking of buying a piano, YOU HAVE TO TRY A GROTRIAN!

Jeanne... In case you haven't already noticed the latest update for Piqué's spring touring schedule, check this out!

Pique, great book! Congratulations on all the well deserved praise. Fantastic accomplishment!