Ode to Joy: The gizmo that doesn’t date
Dear friends of PPI
Not too long ago, I was paging through a photo album (a real, physical one from back in the day – quaint, I know!) with my daughters, when one pointed to the shiny rectangular object in my hand and quipped: “Man, that’s a weird phone.”
Yes, dear, the Samsung L210 (released in 2008) was then considered a pretty decent budget-friendly ultra-compact camera (“style slimmed to perfection”) and it captured our adventures beautifully. But no, I couldn’t call anyone on it. Also, fast forward two decades, and I no longer know where in the household stack of defunct gadgets it is, how I’ll ever charge it, should I find it, or even download the pictures from the data card onto my current laptop, which has no USB port. Technology changes so fast these days, that a smartphone typically only lasts two to four years, and the recommended replacement point for a laptop is five years for optimal productivity.
Yet there is one piece of technology at the heart of my home that doesn’t require charging, updating or upgrading. My beloved Yamaha B1 piano, the first big adult purchase I ever made, is still going strong, even though its basic design was developed in 1900. Frankly, without getting too technical, the fundamental functioning of both upright and grand pianos hasn’t changed all that much since the late 19th century: A full iron frame, 88 keys, and a tonal range that varies from the most intimate whisper to a bellowing roar. Don’t you just adore the dependable permanence of the piano?
This past Sunday, on the 88th day of the year, we celebrated International Piano Day in cooperation with SoundsTruck NW and Classic Pianos in Pioneer Square. From 11:00–4:00, a host of players ranging from teachers and students to professional pianists took to the stage while, on a large poster, spectators were invited to add sticky notes responding to the question: “In one word, what does piano mean to you?” Read the responses and rejoice: Love, reflection, friendship, flourishing, calm, peace, relief, fun, expression, harmony, zen, presence.
Yes, the rain may have deterred some, but for those who came to hear the music, intentionally or unintentionally, there was utter delight and wonder in hearing the sound of our favorite instrument intermingle with the clang of the Max train, the chatter of passers by, the rumble of traffic. While Filippo Gorini gave his final concert appearance in Oregon after a month of concertizing all around the state, Bill and I were sitting at the back corner of Portland’s living room, at the wrong angle for seeing the piano, but just in the right spot to soak up the sounds while taking in the crowd. And as Filippo tenderly and expertly played Bach, Brahms and Beethoven to the homeless artist scribbling cross-legged on a piece of cardboard, to young couples buying their lunch from the food carts, to toddlers chasing crows, I couldn’t help but think: What a complicated, beautiful world this is – and what a complicated, beautiful machine we have in the piano!
Do you know who shares this view of the piano? Portland’s very own keyboard wizard, Darrell Grant, who’ll be playing music from beaches all over the world at our fundraising gala on April 12th! I quote from a recent interview with Darrell at the PPI office: “I still get chills when I think about the introduction of this incredible piece of technology for music-making, as much as the radio or the television or any other technology, for bringing us together as humans.”
Have you seen this week’s edition of Willamette Week? Grab one if you happen to pass a blue boxin one of their myriad locations and read about Filippo Gorini’s moving performances in two penitentiaries. (You could also navigate to the online version if you prefer the paperless route.) Written by our Board member, Tony Greiner, this article encapsulates everything we feel about the Power of Piano!
Time is running out for purchasing your gala tickets! Grab your favorite sun hat, a beach bag and a bunch of friends and Come back to the Keys!
