information for a dissertation

[Clyde Hollinger]

Gary,

I would make it very clear that anyone using a piano in a non-standard
performance will be responsible for any damage the performance might cause
to the piano, even little things like marks on the finish that can be caused
by some types of tympani sticks.  Some have hard balls on the ends rather
than soft.  They must also agree to remove all sticky-notes, etc., from the
piano at the conclusion.  Even a signed agreement, along with the monetary
cost if damage occurs, seems like a good idea.

One has to know where to draw the line.  I'm sure it would make an
interesting sound, and a shock-value impression, to strike the plate with a
sledge hammer while holding down the sustain pedal.  I'm equally sure none
of us would permit anything like that.  There are limits, my friends.

Regards,
Clyde

Gary Bruce wrote:

> Hello list,
>
> I service the pianos at two universities.  One recently (1998) purchased
> several new Steinways.  The piano faculty is hosting a piano composition
> competition in the near future and I was shown the score to a submitted
> piece.  It called for crashing cymbals onto the strings, hitting the
> case in various places with tympani mallets, using the hands to set
> strings into motion, etc.,etc.  Some of the dymamic markings were
> "ffff".
>
> I was asked my opinion about allowing this to be performed on our
> recital hall piano.  I understood the sound that would be generated by
> such a performance and try to appreciate the time that was spent by the
> composer, but I said the composition should be submitted on audio
> cassette, or better yet, video tape.  I think that composers who want to
> use the piano in a way which is "un-natural" for the instrument should
> not expect venues to automatically allow the instrument to be used in
> this way.  Perhaps they should plan on doing what many fine concert
> pianists do - bring their own instrument with them.
>
> Gary Bruce
> Registered Piano Technician
> Oklahoma Christian University
> Southern Nazarene University
>
> > > Hello Piano Technicians,
> > >
> > > I am a pianist writing a dissertation on prepared piano and
> > playing on the
> > > inside of the piano and was wondering if I could get some
> > thoughts from some
> > > of you on the subject, good AND bad!  My goal is to write a
> > document that
> > > helps pianists who are starting this music for the first time.
> > Hopefully, it
> > > will help them, also, to not damage the instrument at all.
> > >
> > > Any strong feelings?
> > >
> > > Have you ever seen any damage from this type of music? (i.e.
> > damage to the
> > > strings, dampers, soundboard, etc?)
> > >
> > > Thank you!
> > > Laurie Hudicek
> > > lhudicek@aol.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >