Striking a chord

Please pardon the pun, but yesterday's post seemed to strike a chord with people. What is it about music lessons, more than any other childhood attempts to learn something, that causes so much regret, unfulfilled longings, diasppointment at lack of opportunity or desire to try (again) in later life? Is it that the ability to sing or to play an instrument gives pleasure, and as music is an 'immediate' art form, it has a unique ability to entertain? If you can make music in some way, you have a creative and interpretative outlet, and because music's energy is so emotionally powerful, it connects with people to a degree that writing or art cannot - as easily - do.

This is a vast subject which can't be explored in a paragraph or two, but thinking about it reminded me of a simply lovely book I read a couple of years ago.

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: The Hidden World of a Paris Atelier by T.E.Carhart, describes an American in Paris and his discovery of a gem of a piano shop. I learned more about pianos from this book than I ever knew there was to know, and although the technicalities are given, they are presented in such a way as to make this a fascinating and enchanting story.

Carhart writes of his own musical education, beginning with Madame Gaillard in Paris as a young child when his father was stationed there, continuing in Virginia with Miss Pemberton at whose recital evenings he had to perform, an experience like "holding my breath and swimming under water until I reached the other side". Then moving on to lessons with his Parisian teacher, Anna, having at last bought an instrument of his own. "Re-entering the world of the piano as an adult gradually brought me a series of revelations about the practice of self-discipline.."

Carhart's immense knowledge and touching enthusiasm for his subject are communicated effortlessly and in a way which should 'sound true' to any musician or music-lover. It is a delight, and whether you favour a Steinway over a Fazioli, a Pleyel or an Erard (or have yet to form an opinion on the subject) in the words of the book's final sentence, you come away with the distinct impression that "you can never have too many dream pianos". It made me see my own in a new light.

Comments

[Charity]

Karen, you must have the most amazing personal library! You share so much about so many awesome books - this one sounds wonderful, too. :0)

[Peg]

Pianos - when I was growing up in the 40s and 50s, the two piano tuners I knew of were blind! A lady I knew who was blinded in the Halifax Explosion of 1917, was a beautiful pianist and she told me that more than a few people were taught piano and also taught piano tuning! Would they be better, as they relied on their sense of hearing more than a sighted person does?
Someday I want to come to your library and perhaps pick up a book, sit by the Aga, have tea and knit a row or two!!

[Bluestalking Reader]

My daughter signed up for piano lessons again! The stars must have been in alignment, as I was just complaining about that yesterday. She starts next Monday... Calloo! Callay!

[Kelly]

I read that one -- I agree: great book. I remember it being very good on Paris, too. Thanks for the reminder; just might be time to track it down again....

[Elaine]

I have a total lack of talent when it comes to playing an instrument. I have an equal lack of talent at anything sporting, in other words any activity that needs hand and eye co-ordination. However, what I can do is sing in tune so from a very young age and until recently, I sang in a choir and made music that way. It is one of the most satisfying experiences you can get. Standing at the Albert Hall singing the Allelluia chorus takes some beating I can tell you, though Praise to the Holiest in the Heights from Dream of Gerontius at the Royal Festival Hall runs it close. Those of us who cannot play provide the audience for those who can and where would they be without us, pray tell?

[Fiberjoy]

There is a lure to being able to produce music, whether through voice or hands. It has something to do with communicating what words are incapable of transcending.

But, oh the frustration for it takes so much self-discipline and time! Still, as person who decided to take up the violin in mid-thirties, it is well worth the effort!

[Ann]

I thought I would leave a quick comment today to say how much I enjoy reading your posts. Your blog is well-written and the photos are gorgeous. I found my way here via "Stuck in a Book" which is another blog I enjoy. I am currently reading "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank" and am thoroughly enjoying it. Have a lovely day!