<html> <body> There is a good article I have photocopied in my office from Piano Quarterly titled "Why, When, How--and How Not to Prepare a Piano" from Piano Quarterly by Maris/Bunger.  Volume 109, Spring 1980, pages 34-40.  I hand it to individuals who are intent to compose or perform prepared piano works, or give them the article citation and they look it up on their own in the library.  Then we talk about it when "we" get to the preparation.  Regarding "The Well-Prepared Piano" by Richard Bunger, I wish he had included the instruction (if my memory is correct) to depress the damper pedal when inserting items in the strings.  Blaine At 09:18 AM 10/21/2005, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""> Should read “…suggesting those of a piano…”   <hr> <div align="center"></div> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [<a href="mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org" eudora="autourl"> mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Becker, Lawrence (beckerlr) Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 9:15 AM To: ed440@mindspring.com; College and University Technicians Subject: RE: [CAUT] John Cage, "The Earth Shall Bear Again"             “The total desired result has been achieved if, on completion of the preparation, one may play the pertinent keys without sensing that he is playing a piano or even a “prepared piano.”  An instrument having convincingly its own special characteristic, not even suggestion those of a piano, must be the result.” <div align="right">John Cage Preface to AMORES As quoted in The Well-Prepared Piano, Richard Bunger 1973, The Colorado College Music Press     </div> We had a graduate student here who became very adept at the placement of preparations, as well as being a wonderful pianist/performer.  It was ‘ear-opening’ to hear an entire percussion ensemble issue from his piano, and quite musical.   So listening and learning, trial and error are necessary to getting a good preparation.  I’m not familiar with “The Earth Shall Bear Again”, but if the preparations are at all extensive, we found it best to just set aside an older, ill-favored Baldwin M that the student could leave the preparations in from first rehearsal until after the performance.  Kind of like not having to regulate a piano every time you want to play it.   My limited experience.   Lawrence     Lawrence Becker, RPT Piano Technician College-Conservatory of Music University of Cincinnati     <hr> <div align="center"></div> </blockquote></body> </html>