Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. In a recent video, I discussed the concept of piano voicing, specifically focusing on the distinction between warm and bright voicings. If you’re interested in a detailed exploration of these voicing techniques, you can check out that video here. Today, we’ll conduct a sound test to illustrate the differences between a piano with a bright voicing and one with a warmer tone.
Sound Test: Comparing Voicings
I’m going to play the same excerpt from Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne on two different pianos to showcase these differences. First, I will play the excerpt on the Schiedmayer piano. This German-made piano is known for its bright voicing, which complements its distinctive sound. Listen carefully to the tone produced by this piano. Next, I’ll play the same excerpt on the Steinway Model A, which features a warmer voicing. This model is known for its rich, warm tone that is characteristic of Steinway pianos. Notice how the tone contrasts with the Schiedmayer’s clear as a bell sound.
Can you tell the difference?
By listening to both pianos, you’ll be able to hear the different qualities of their tones. The Schiedmayer’s bell-like sound contrasts with the Steinway’s warmer, more resonant voice. Both pianos offer beautiful voices with unique characteristics. I’m eager to hear your opinions on the differences in tone. Please share your thoughts in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store.
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Have you ever noticed how rarely performers sneeze during a performance? Whether it’s a solo piano recital or a lengthy musical piece, sneezes seem almost non-existent. But why is this the case?
The Power of Concentration
One reason might be the intense concentration that performers experience. When musicians are deeply focused on their performance, their awareness of physical sensations, including the urge to sneeze, seems to diminish. This level of focus can be so absorbing that it overrides many of their bodily functions.
A Fascinating Story from the Stage
To illustrate this point, let me share an intriguing anecdote about a former student of mine. While he was still a teenager, he gave a remarkable performance at a recital. In the middle of a particularly demanding Beethoven piece, something unexpected happened—he started to experience some nasal congestion.
As he continued to play, his nose began to run. Despite this discomfort, he had no choice but to continue performing. His dedication was evident as he played on with remarkable skill and composure, even though the long string from his nose had to be devastating for him!
Limits of Control
This experience highlights an interesting fact: even with immense concentration, some bodily responses are beyond our control. Though sneezing is a natural reflex, the ability to control it completely during high-stress situations like performances remains limited.
Have You Ever Seen a Performer Sneeze?
It’s worth asking: Have you ever witnessed a pianist or any instrumentalist sneeze while performing? It’s a rare occurrence, and for wind players, it could be quite problematic. Nonetheless, it underscores the remarkable focus and discipline required of performers.
Thanks for joining me in exploring this unusual aspect of performance. If you enjoyed this insight and want to see more content like this, consider subscribing to the channel. Your support helps bring more interesting and informative videos to a wider audience. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences—have you ever seen a performer sneeze during a recital? Let us know in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store.
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we’re diving into an exciting comparison of two renowned 9-foot concert grand pianos: the Steinway and the Baldwin. We have some exceptional instruments here for you to explore, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments section! If you want to hear a comparison between vintage and modern Steinway concert grands, click here!
Let’s begin with a stunning 1916 Steinway Model D. This piano has been masterfully restored to concert condition and is a beautiful example of Steinway’s legendary craftsmanship. To give you a sense of its rich, resonant sound, I’ll play an excerpt from Chopin’s Ballade in G minor. Watch the video to hear the performances!
Next, we’ll move to the back showroom where we have two remarkable Baldwin concert grands. First, let’s hear the 1996 Baldwin SD-10, which is all original and has been barely played. We’ve prepared this piano thoroughly to showcase its distinctive sound. Listen to the same Chopin excerpt on this instrument to appreciate its unique tonal qualities.
For our final comparison, we have a 1941 Baldwin SD-6 that has also been expertly rebuilt. This piano provides yet another fascinating sound profile. I’ll play the same musical excerpt to highlight its individual character.
Share Your Thoughts!
Each piano offers its own unique voice and tonal differences. I’m interested in hearing which one resonates with you the most. Please leave your impressions and preferences in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today I’m going to address an important and thought-provoking viewer question regarding young musical prodigies. This inquiry delves into the future of these exceptionally talented children and the challenges they may face as they grow older. Let’s explore this topic in depth.
The Dilemma of Child Prodigies
Recently, a viewer asked about the long-term outcomes for children who display extraordinary musical talent at a young age. Specifically, they questioned what happens to these prodigies when they do not pursue a career as professional musicians. Their concern stemmed from a personal experience where a talented young musician, once on track to join an orchestra, abandoned music entirely. This raises a poignant question: what becomes of these highly skilled children who may not continue in the field?
The Harsh Reality of a Musical Career
The music world is highly competitive. Many musicians graduate from prestigious conservatories worldwide, all aspiring to secure a spot as a professional performer. Unfortunately, the number of available positions does not match the number of qualified candidates. A study of Juilliard graduates found that 80% were not pursuing a career in music a decade after graduation. This underscores the intense challenge of sustaining a career solely as a performer. However, not all is lost.
Alternative Paths in Music
Many musicians find creative ways to incorporate their skills into alternative career paths. This might include teaching, accompanying, composing for various media, or performing in different settings. The key is adaptability and innovation. Some may even explore new forms of artistic expression, combining music with technology, multimedia, or other art forms to create unique experiences.
The Impact of Early Training
The experience of child prodigies can vary greatly. Some may thrive and continue to pursue music passionately throughout their lives, while others may struggle with the pressures and expectations placed upon them. For instance, my former teacher, Ruth Slenczynska, a renowned child prodigy, initially stepped away from music due to a challenging childhood before eventually returning to her career. This highlights how personal experiences and pressures can influence one’s relationship with music.
Embracing Individual Journeys
Ultimately, whether a child prodigy continues in music or chooses a different path is a personal decision. A nurturing environment can foster a lifelong passion for music, but even with such support, individuals must decide for themselves how they wish to incorporate their musical talent into their lives.
Feel free to share your own experiences or thoughts on this topic in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! It’s a fascinating subject with many layers to explore. I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. The question today is: What is better, bright or warm voicing? Choosing between a warm or bright voicing for your piano can be a complex decision, but understanding what each term means can help you make the right choice for your needs.
What is Piano Voicing?
Voicing refers to the tone quality of a piano, which is influenced primarily by the hardness or softness of the hammers. Each of the 88 hammers in a piano must be individually adjusted to achieve the desired tone. This process involves not only adjusting the hardness of the hammers but also shaping them precisely and aligning them correctly. Regulation also plays a role in how the piano’s tone is perceived.
Factors Affecting Piano Voicing
Room Acoustics
The acoustics of the room where the piano is placed significantly impact its tone. In a small, acoustically bright room, a piano with a bright tone might sound harsh and overwhelming. In such cases, a warmer voicing can help mitigate this harshness. Conversely, in a larger space where the sound needs to travel farther, a brighter tone might be more suitable.
Musical Style
Your preferred musical style can also influence your choice. For example, a pianist who plays rock music might prefer a brighter tone for its cutting effect, while someone who plays new age music might lean towards a warmer, mellower sound to create soothing, sonorous qualities.
Playing Style and Power
The power and technique of the player are crucial considerations. A powerful player might prefer a piano with a broader dynamic range and warmer voicing to avoid a harsh sound, whereas a player with less strength might benefit from a brighter tone that requires less effort to produce sound.
Piano Types and Voicing
Different types of pianos naturally lend themselves to varying tonal qualities. For instance, American pianos like Steinway and Mason & Hamlin are often noted for their warmer tone compared to European pianos, which may have a brighter sound. However, every piano can be voiced to suit either preference, so the choice ultimately depends on personal taste and the specific use of the piano.
The More a Piano Is Played, the Brighter It Gets
Pianos tend to become brighter over time with regular use. The felt on the hammers compresses and hardens, leading to a brighter tone. To counteract this, it’s beneficial to start with a piano voiced on the warmer side. This allows for a more controlled and pleasant sound as the piano naturally brightens with use.
Seeking Professional Voicing
Voicing is a specialized skill. It’s essential to work with a skilled technician who can finely adjust the voicing to meet your specific needs. Look for a technician with experience in concert-level work, as they will have the expertise necessary to achieve the best results. Voicing needs to be even from key to key, which is a real challenge to achieve.
Personalized Voicing
Many pianos can be voiced with different tonal characteristics in various sections. For example, you might prefer a warmer middle register with brighter treble and bass notes. This customization can enhance the overall sound and suit your personal preferences. I have a personal story to share about my father, Morton Estrin. He was an incredibly powerful pianist, but he had remarkable control over his pianissimo playing as well. He truly loved exploring the full range of the piano. I remember visiting the Baldwin showroom in New York City with him, where, as a Baldwin artist, he would head to the back room filled with concert grands to test them for his New York recitals and recordings. He always sought out the piano with the warmest tone, knowing it would allow him to express himself fully without the risk of a harsh sound. His preference for a warmer voicing was because it enabled him to produce beautiful, delicate tones and, when played with more power, to reveal a range of rich, varied sounds. To contrast that, Vladimir Horowitz’s piano was known for its exceptional brightness. Horowitz’s control over this brightness was remarkable. His piano had a shallower key depth, allowing him to achieve a wide range of dynamics—from subtle nuances to powerful crescendos—with ease. His technical mastery and the unique characteristics of his piano created a dynamic and fiery performance.
Conclusion
The choice between a warm or bright voicing depends on numerous factors, including the acoustic environment, musical style, player strength, and personal taste. Each option has its benefits, and the ideal voicing will complement your piano’s natural characteristics and your individual needs. If you have any questions about the voicing of your piano, please feel free to share them in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Today we have a fascinating comparison for you. We’ll be comparing a vintage Steinway concert grand to a 2000’s model to highlight the differences between them. Our demonstration will feature two excerpts from Chopin Nocturnes to showcase each instrument’s unique qualities.
Modern Steinway Concert Grand
First, we’ll listen to a 2004 Steinway concert grand, which remains in its original, barely used condition. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s F-sharp Nocturne. Pay attention to the tonal characteristics and how they resonate with you. Watch the video to hear these two wonderful instruments!
Vintage Steinway Concert Grand
Next, we’ll turn to a 1916 Steinway concert grand, which has been meticulously rebuilt and restored with its original soundboard. We’ll hear an excerpt from Chopin’s B-flat minor Nocturne on this vintage instrument. Listen closely to the tonal differences and see which piano appeals to you more.
The Distinctive Nature of Steinway Pianos
It’s worth noting that every Steinway concert grand is unique. Each piano is hand-built, and there are variations in the woods used—since no two trees are identical—contribute to the distinct sound of each instrument. The individual craftsmanship results in noticeable differences between pianos. There is also a general charactaristic of sound to older compared to newer Steinways. What do you think about these pianos? Do you hear any distinct differences between vintage and modern Steinways? Let us know in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, your online piano store. Thanks for joining me!
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel at www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
If you’re interested in private lessons or have any questions, feel free to contact me at Robert@LivingPianos.com. I have many resources available for you!
