Ebony And Ivory (Pianos, Keyboards & Synths in general)

Member Name: blackjane

Product:	Pianos, Keyboards & Synths in general
Date:	03/10/00 (492 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The king of musical instruments - a joy to behold!

Disadvantages: Just think of all the elephants who suffered!

The Piano

[Background: Played well, the piano is one of the greatest musical instruments known to man, and is capable of sending shivers down your spine if it happens to be under the control of a skilled pianist]

I am not particularly musically minded. I have never played a musical instrument and I do not read music at all well. I used to sing in the school choir many years ago, and I have even been known to flex my vocal tones once in a while at the Karaoke, after a few drinks that is.

However, I believe that I know good music when I hear it, and nothing is more capable of capturing my attention than the powerful music that emanates from a well-played piano.

I am extremely envious of anyone who is able to play the piano, including one of my close friends who once attained grade eight, and is more than capable of playing tunes 'by ear' on request.

Many people will have their own personal favourite instruments, but for me nothing can come close to the powerful aura of the piano in the correct hands.

I was recently flicking channels late one night, ready for another night's sleep prior to yet another day in work. I chanced upon a 'Musician of the Year' programme on BBC2, and found myself totally encapsulated by the rapport that the pianist had with his instrument. I sat intently for the best part of ten minutes until the pianist had completed his piece, and marvelled (with just a hint of jealousy) at his amazing talent and the fantastic sound that he was able to create with his piano.

Traditional music tends to be under-rated compared to the type of music that populates our music charts these days, but once in a while a song that includes a moving piano part will shine through. Usually, although not exclusively, confined to ballads, the piano has the power to provide an additional quality to a song that would never have been possible otherwise.

My favourite modern song featurin
g the piano has to be the haunting 'Song For Guy', a mostly instrumental track performed by Elton John, one of the finest popular pianists of the modern era (I am listening to it now whilst writing this opinion).

I would strongly recommend this track to anyone who doubts the appeal of the piano, and urge you to hear it for yourself if you are unfamiliar with it. It can be found on the Double CD 'The Very Best Of Elton John' (1990 Rocket Records 846947-2), or perhaps via www.napster.com in mp3 format.

{An original Dooyoo opinion
© Blackjane 2000, updated 2001}

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