Pianonet — Your comprehensive guide to everything about pianos

Surprise in Texas: The Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

by Richard on August 30, 2010

The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has been called “the most prestigious classical piano contest in the world” by the Chicago Tribune and “the musical Olympics of the western world” by the Milwaukee Journal. PBS presents A Surprise in Texas: The Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, featuring the finalists vying for the 2009 competition’s coveted gold medal. The documentary airs on PBS stations nationwide on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at 9:30 PM (ET) (check local listings). Read more . . .

{ 0 comments }

For protege pianists, there’s Paul Wirth . . .

by Richard on August 27, 2010

St. Paul, Minn. — Six-year-old Joseph Caswell loves his piano instructor Paul Wirth.

“He’s funny and he’s a really good teacher.”

Joseph’s got a cherubic face and hands barely bigger than a cabbage patch doll’s. But he can play a Beethoven sonata or a Chopin minute waltz with the facility and feel of a musician four times his age. And Joseph loves to practice, up to three hours a day. His favorite exercise is marathon scales. Read more . . .

{ 0 comments }

Humble one-armed pianist Jamey Ray thrives ‘with half the equipment.

August 27, 2010

When Jamey Ray plays the piano, listeners focus only on the songs. It’s not until he finishes that his audiences notice his left arm ends at the elbow. ”Most of the time, people can’t see behind the piano. My hand moves quickly,” Ray said. “It’s when they get up for a standing ovation that I notice the look [...]

Read full article →

Jason Moran: Finding Sound, Then Making It His Own

August 27, 2010

Jason Moran is happily married, with twin sons. Yet he’s obsessed with another woman: the piano. “I mean, I really consider them all women,” Moran says. “Not every woman likes the same kind of conversation — you have to know your subjects that fit for each person. Pianos: If they don’t like what you’re saying, [...]

Read full article →

Bob Bergin Playing at Nordstrom Galleria in Dallas, TX

August 27, 2010

About 5 years ago my wife, Laura, and I began to consider selling our company, Rhythm Band Instruments, Inc., and semi-retiring. I knew it would be best to have an enjoyable hobby with which to keep busy in my spare time. I was inspired by the pianist at the Nordstrom Galleria Store in Dallas. Read [...]

Read full article →

Long-lost piano ‘played by Mozart’ found in Germany

August 27, 2010

An Early piano believed to have been played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has survaced in Germany and could be worth millions of pounds. Read full story . . .

Read full article →

← Previous Entries

Your comprehensive guide to everything about pianos

Surprise in Texas: The Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

For protege pianists, there’s Paul Wirth . . .

Humble one-armed pianist Jamey Ray thrives ‘with half the equipment.

Jason Moran: Finding Sound, Then Making It His Own

Bob Bergin Playing at Nordstrom Galleria in Dallas, TX

Long-lost piano ‘played by Mozart’ found in Germany

Categories

About Pianonet

Publications

Contact Us