Last weekend we visited the Golden Era Piano museum at Neville, a small village not far from Bathurst/Blayney. It was amazing to hear all of the different pianos, have the ins and outs of their mechanisms explained and see their beautiful woodwork. A surprisingly interesting visit.
It as great to see recent spring rain has turned the countryside a lovely green though further west they are still waiting for rain.
What a sight! It makes me sad. In our parent´s house (empty, as they are long gone) a real, original Steinweg-piano rots away.
ReplyDeleteI was forced to learn to play it, but can no more, all forgotten, I cannot read notes anymore even!
I can't believe you have forgotten it all.
DeleteAs addendum, Mr. Steinway originally was Herr Steinweg and lived and worked in my hometown, Seesen. They did not appreciate his work, hence he went to America and changed his name to Steinway and kept making his great pianos.
ReplyDeleteI learnt a lot about piano makers at the musuem.
DeleteI love pianos. I learnt to play when I was a child and did all my exams. I'm always playing and composing music on my little upright piano. I bought it new, just after I was married and paid it off on a hire purchase scheme. I've had it for over 40 years and, just recently, had it moved from one room in our house to another. It was a scary procedure as it had to be upended and dragged on a blanket, upside down, to get it through a doorway and into the hall. It could then be mounted on a trolley and wheeled into its new position. It now needs tuning, but otherwise it is OK and I'm loving its new home.
ReplyDeleteI also got my piano just after I was married. Mine has been out of tune for years and had to move to Kandos. For a while it looked like they were going to have trouble getting it into the house but it is there now and I have organised for the man from the museum to come and tune it. I might be more inclined to play it when it sounds better.
DeleteMy dad would go for those.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad played the cornet rather than the piano but he loved music.
DeleteInteresting museum in the country. Glad you've had some rain.
ReplyDeleteIt is in the country because the inland climate is better suited to the preservation of pianos.
DeleteMy mother would have loved a visit there. She played the piano beautifully. We have had some rain here in SE Queensland with some areas getting good downfalls in yesterday's storms. We only had about 4mm here but a little is better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteA little rain here and there is very welcome. I think they are forecasting a little more next week - hope you get some too.
DeleteSuch a joy to visit and hear them played. Great news re rain.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at how different they all sound.
DeleteI've been to the Museum of Music in Phoenix, AZ that had instruments from all over the world, including an amazing piano. But I've never been to one devoted to pianos. It does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a Museum of Music in Australia. But then again I didn't know there was a piano museum either until I was looking for a piano tuner.
Delete