Being called on stage

[Israel Stein]

At 06:29 PM 1/6/2008, pianotech-request at ptg.org wrote:
>Subject: Being called on stage
>Message: 9
>
>Like most of us, I have had to tune for various artists who come to 
>this country from other places. However, may I relate to you a story 
>about one of my first major concert tunings in Australia for a now 
>recognised Australian pianist named Roger Woodwood.

I believe that's Roger Woodward. He is on the faculty where I work 
(San Francisco State University).

>The piano was a 'D' and as was the case in those days, (1965), the 
>piano was hired by the Melbourne Town Hall for all concerts. It was 
>in good condition and never caused too many problems. I prepared it 
>prior to the performance and took many hours ensuring that all was 
>well. At interval, I was summoned to the dressing room, and told by 
>the maestro that the 'G' above middle 'C' was OUT.
>As this was the first time I had to confront an audience of any 
>description, I too was applauded as I made my way to the piano, much 
>to my chagrin and embarrassment. I was forced to put my head inside 
>the piano, due to the noise, to hear the offending note, which in 
>fact was not offending, and I did not have to touch it.  I returned 
>to the dressing room and just remarked that all was well.
>At the conclusion of the performance I was again called back, and RW 
>thanked me for fixing that note, as it was driving him mad!!

Yup, that's Roger. He'll complain about all kinds of things, demand 
al kinds of stuff  - and then thank you profusely (sometimes with a 
bottle of good wine).

>I think nerves were a major contributing factor in this case, as he 
>like me, was quite young and inexperienced.

Hmm... Age and experience have done little for the nerves...  But he 
puts on one heck of a performance...

Israel Stein



>To prove that point, I had to loan him the studs off my shirt, as he 
>forgot to bring his, and he was wearing white socks with his tails, 
>which had to be swapped for black ones,with a member of the 
>orchestra. Duty tuners in those days had to wear a dinner suit for 
>all performances. How things have changed.
>Cheers, David Lawson Wangaratta Australia.

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