Put Your Back Into It!

Last weekend I had the very fun opportunity to travel to Scottsdale, Arizona and attend the concert of Anderson & Roe, a piano duo that consists of Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe. They are powerful pianists that played moving lyrical pieces to loud boisterous rock songs. Greg's arrangements were mesmerizing and showed off the strengths of these two pianists.

They alternated between playing on two pianos and playing on the same piano. Many of the pieces they played on the same piano required a choreography of sorts to keep them from pushing each other off the bench. One in particular, Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, was actually written for two pianos. Anderson & Roe opt to play it on one piano because it was written on the eve of World War I and because of the complexities of the music, when played on the same piano shows the struggle for control of the piano keyboard, just as the world struggled in battle.
I had the opportunity to visit with them a few minutes and found them to be down-to-earth friendly people, enjoying the opportunity to share their love of music. I mentioned to Liz that she must have pretty strong fingers to play with such force and Greg said that she uses her back very effectively.

At group lesson on Wednesday I showed the kids a video of Anderson & Roe and we talked about their form, posture, and how they handled the loud and fast sections. Liz indeed puts her back into it and we talked about how the kids could do the same as they play with different dynamics. I also suggested that they experiment with playing their scales very fast just like the duo plays their runs. (We'll see if the kids really try it!)

There is really nothing like a live concert to help one appreciate the Arts. We have some wonderful venues close by to take advantage of. I participated just this weekend in A Little Night Music sponsored by the Payson Lion's club and held at the Payson Civic Center. A fundraiser to benefit Huish Theater will be held February 4 at 7 p.m. at Payson High School. Tickets are only $5! My piano tuner, Brigham Larson, also sponsors concerts. Check out his website for information.

One of our best resources is BYU. I am including a link for information about some family friendly concerts and shows. Be sure to check these out and make an effort to attend one live performance every year. In this age of YouTube and digital everything, a live production feels like a rare treat.

The Piano Tuner

Saturday was one of my favorite days of the year...the day the piano tuner comes! Brigham Larson has been taking care of my piano for many years now. I remember when he worked out of a little house in Provo, then to Mapleton, and now he has a workshop, piano showroom, and concert hall in Pleasant Grove. I trust Brigham's work and his advice. He knows pianos inside and out, and plays wonderfully, as well!

The students will attest to the fact that the high F# was a gimp. It thunked and did not behave properly. We were all frustrated with it! Brigham discovered that the key was split, (likely from old age...the piano is close to 120 years old) and fixed it right up. He glued the wood and then reinforced the sides with thin wood. It works wonderfully now.

Alex had the opportunity to come up and watch Brigham work. He got to see first hand the tools Brigham uses, both old style and new age. It was interesting to see the tuning wrench and the muting tool that allowed Brigham to focus on one string at a time.

When he was done, Brigham treated us to a short but sweet jazz concert, ending our Saturday morning visit with him on a great note!!! (Pun intended :D )

Here is Brigham's link