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My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
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):
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?
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!
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?
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!
Music is about the heart and so should a piano be about the heart. - Pique