December 2008
12 posts
Geoff in top form at Keith's 60th birthday family...
3 tags
What makes a Piano?
Simply expressed, the piano is instrument whose characteristic tone is a result of the amplification of vibrating strings (struck by felt hammers) in contact via a wooden bridge connected to a large thin diaphragm (the soundboard).
The evolution of the piano from its origins in the 18th century has been a constant search for an ever improved sustaining quality. This sustaining quality is...
2 tags
Old and New
Piano design has not really changed since 1880 so a brand new Yamaha grand has structurally everything in common with its 19th century equivalent.
Age does have a detrimental effect on pianos in several ways: strings oxidise and stiffen, losing their ability to sustain; hammer felt hardens if left unserviced over the years, or becomes soft and compacted - unable to operate in a springy fashion...
Concert 15th November 2001
An example of Geoff’s programme notes. Always revealing of his approach to his playing and repertoire on more than one level, though Geoff was generally dismissive of them.
Frederic Chopin (1810 –1849)
Prelude in C sharp minor op.45 Nocturne in B major op.62 Mazurka in B minor op.33 no.4 Mazurka in C sharp minor op.40 no.4 Mazurka in B flat major op.6 no.1 Fantasie in F minor...
4 tags
Sinfonia from J.S. Bach’s Partita No. 2 in C...
Albâtre, words by Ezra Pound, setting by Hilary...
