Different Pianos, Different Sounds (April 30, 2025)

Today I went to the Columbus Citizens Foundation to test the piano on which I will be performing next month.  The building itself is quite beautiful, as it was once a townhouse belonging to Charles L. Colby.

The Baldwin piano on the first floor was made in 1904, I believe, and has a very aristocratic tone. It matched the atmosphere of the building perfectly, and I carefully tried playing it to refine the tone I could produce.

On the second floor, there was an even more historic piano. It was a Steinway made in 1876. Mr. Cosmo said that it might have been made by Steinway himself.

The piano on the first floor seemed to have a "gravitational force" that drew the listener into its sound. The piano on the second floor had a very warm tone. The high notes were particularly gorgeous, and the sounds I played seemed to bubble up toward the ceiling.

It is very interesting that there are various sound characteristics depending on the piano manufacturer, the model, and the material. Also, when I play with a certain color of sound in mind, the older the piano, the more I can meet my expectations. That's why I love old pianos.

I'm currently playing an electronic piano in my apartment, but I deliberately play it at the lowest volume. I practice while imagining the sound I want to achieve. I place the keyboard facing the window, and when I play, I think of the Manhattan buildings I can see from the window as the audience at Carnegie Hall. I feel a deep gratitude once again, and I am determined to do my best to meet the expectations of the audience.