Why do YOU Love the Piano?

[opus10no2]

Not sure which section to put this in, but it applies to everyone on here, we all have this in common, a Love of the Piano.

Personally, I was never attracted , particularly, to the basic sound of the instrument, but years ago, after much research and thinking about what I want to do with music, the piano was the instrument for me.
It's more about the 'keyboard' format than anything, the design and the virtues of the layout.
It has weaknesses, in the area of subtle expressive things, vibrato, and other things violins can do, but the strengths , and the hands of a master pianist can render those things irrelevant.

It is the format which I love, and hence - the keyboard is also a passion of mine, it is simply the most advanced and futureproof format of instrument, essentially it is a sequence of sensetive buttons.
With advancing technology, and new innovations which can control one and expressive subtlety, the keyboard could readily emulate and create virtually any musical sound possible.
Think about what CDs are, they are electronically sampled sounds, harnessed and reproduced by speakers - keyboards do essentially the same thing, harness and produce any sound imaginable, and are readily manipulated on the fly.
Virtually all popular rap records are produced by keyboard, drum tracks are laid down by them, and synthesized instruments, all that it can't replicate are vocals.

But still, I do love a great sounding piano 

Why do you love it?

[ihatepop]

To tell you the thruth, I was'nt that interested in piano when I was younger(despite taking it up when I was 4). Once, I even got sooo sick of it till I felt like quitting.But a year ago, I got a new teacher and he managed to introduce me to a wider range of wonderful music. Do you know that the first composer I took interest in was not Chopin but Beethoven?

I really have to thank my teacher. If it was'nt for him, I would'nt be typing here.

ihatepop

[opus10no2]

Beethoven was also the first to interest me, the Moonlight 3rd mvt opened my ears to the intensity possible on the instrument.

[pianistimo]

instrument is everything.  i didn't really like playing the piano until i got my kawaii.  then, i appreciated the sounds that were coming out.  it stayed in tune (instead of going out of tune every month - like cheap pianos do) and therefore - i could actually hear what a piece was supposed to sound like.

i love piano because it's a way of expressing your innermost thoughts on a piece or on a random topic (much as beethoven did with his sonatas) and a 'working out' of thoughts.  and, you can choose to play whatever you are most wanting to play at the time - thereby being a sort of psychotherapist for yourself.  i think music is very healing and good for equalizing temperament.

and, for praising God.  i mean - if you not only practice during the week - but play for church hymns or choirs - there's a thrill to playing in thanks for the gift that you were given or granted to develop.  that's my reasons for loving the piano.

and ps.  it's the best instrument out there.  you can play an orchestral score.

[arbisley]

I also had a time when I didn't feel I could get anywhere on the piano, but then I got a new piano and I started performing loads, so I now really enjoy practising, and can improve the way I want to and correct bad habits I picked up when I was younger.
I particularly enjoyed playing Debussy first of all, for the pure and simple emotions he expresses in the music.

[brahms4me]

My parents were both musical with my mom playing the piano so music was always present in our house and I've always had a piano at my disposal.  I grew up singing and playing at church, taking lessons and playing in recitals and festivals.  I've always loved the piano and the vast repertoire available to pianists.   The first classical piano piece I remember is Brahms' Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No.2.  I've made that my signature piece and play it at every opportunity.

[matraveo]

 ;)I started playing the piano when I was about 10, I recieved a little keyboard on my birthday and would play around with it. My Mom enrolled me into piano lessons soon after and the rest is history.

I love the piano because, it was a sense of creating music and focusing all your attention into the keys. When I play, I don't think about what bad happened today, my troubles, stresses. I just become imersed in the music, whether it be as simple heart and soul or as complicated as a fantasy impromptu. Piano was the best way to take my mind off the harsh realities of life, even for the short time that I would be sitting in front of that keyboard, prefeably alone. I forgot about my parents divorcing, my new home and stepdad, the mean kids at school. I brought me happiness.

8 years later and more developed, I still enjoy bieng alone at home in a quiet house, working out a new song and imensing my self in my music.[/font]

[pianowolfi]

Well, good question I guess, it makes me think.....I love it because without piano I would feel a little senseless here on earth.. or not just a little

[ted]

I do not love the piano per se, that is to say the physical object, as many pianists seem to; I love what I do with it. Had I not grown up with the piano I dare say the underlying creative impulse would have found its outlet in something else. Perhaps, were I growing up these days, I should become very absorbed in electronic music as my primary vehicle of expression. After all, the physical yoga of piano playing demands years of discipline, even with the best of talent, tuition and intentions.

Then again, electronic devices lack the "hands on" improvisational immediacy of a musical instrument. The interface of the piano keyboard, despite the intractable limitations of mechanism and human anatomy, is still arguably the best transporting device or "soul machine", to take poetic liberty, anybody has yet come up with.

[burstroman]

1.  The sounds that can be produced by a skillful performer.
2.  The fact that it is one of a few instruments that can produce several "voices"   simultaneously.
3.  The vast repertory written for it.
4.  Above all, the marvelous and profound works of art written by masters that can be reproduced by one for personal enjoyment and for sharing with others.

[rc]

Mostly because piano sounds complete solo, and that means I don't have to rely on anyone else. 

After playing rock guitar for years, I got frustrated with people being flaky and more intrested in 'rock'nroll lifestyle' than actual music.  By coincidence, at that time I was becoming curious in classical music and I randomly chose a CD of Beethoven sonatas by Brendel to listen to.  It grew on me and eventually I took the step to get a piano and learn to play it.  I've found myself well suited to the instrument.

[opus10no2]

Mostly because piano sounds complete solo, and that means I don't have to rely on anyone else. 

Precisely, Piano is really the ONLY signifigantly popular and viable form of solo performance.

This also has musical value, aside from the inherent psychological value of doing everything yourself, because in AMNY cases there are some interpretive things that can only be done by one person, and true spontineity can only be done in a solo situation, particularly rhythmic and dynamic things.

[opus10no2]

Also, aside from the 3 major elements in music - harmony, melody and rhythm, timbre is the most important, it's often just because of tibre that some people will more easily listen to some music, or just be put off by it outright.

Now, the interesting this where the piano is concerned is - it's all one timbre(yes every note sounds different, but you get the point),  so where orchestral music and popular music gets it's colour - through arrangement and layering of textures and tibres - the piano has developed it's own extremely sophisticated and developed substitute/alternative - Figuration.

In no other area of music is the art of musical figuration more developed than in solo piano writing - for every given harmonic/melodic/rhythmic sequence there is an infinitude of possible ways it can be presented, a dizzying array of different textures that can be cunjoured simply by varying the pianistic figuration.

I find this very interesting, because instead of using other timbres and instruments to dress up the music, one has to decorate and dress the notes in....more notes!

[maxd]

It has no 'on' switch, which is great.

it is tonal, rhythmic and harmonic at the same time.

you do not need band members to share your vision, which makes it ideal for someone who wants to express a deeply personal interpretation.

[rc]

Also, aside from the 3 major elements in music - harmony, melody and rhythm, timbre is the most important, it's often just because of tibre that some people will more easily listen to some music, or just be put off by it outright.

Now, the interesting this where the piano is concerned is - it's all one timbre(yes every note sounds different, but you get the point),  so where orchestral music and popular music gets it's colour - through arrangement and layering of textures and tibres - the piano has developed it's own extremely sophisticated and developed substitute/alternative - Figuration.

In no other area of music is the art of musical figuration more developed than in solo piano writing - for every given harmonic/melodic/rhythmic sequence there is an infinitude of possible ways it can be presented, a dizzying array of different textures that can be cunjoured simply by varying the pianistic figuration.

I find this very interesting, because instead of using other timbres and instruments to dress up the music, one has to decorate and dress the notes in....more notes!

That's a good point Op10, I'd never really thought of it that way.

I secretly lament the piano's lack of timbral variety and feel drawn to the colour of the orchestra, as a listener.  I remember not understanding when I read famous pianists speak of imagining the piano as an orchestra, but I've come to agree with that.  As Neuhaus said "We can only achieve what's possible by demanding the impossible",

The great pianists use good imagination to overcome the shortcomings of the instrument.

[maxd]

if you listen to an 1800's piano.. the different registers have a different sound precisely for this reason.

[lau]

it gives me something that i am way better than everyone else at...in my area at least

[steve jones]

Why do I love the piano?

I dont, I hate it!

But I do love the music I can play on it, lol. I just wish it were a little easier 

SJ

[ihatepop]

Why do I love the piano?

I dont, I hate it!

But I do love the music I can play on it, lol. I just wish it were a little easier 

SJ

There are such things as easy pieces...

ilovepiano

ihatepop

[penguinlover]

Why do I love piano?  So much has already been stated, and I agree with everyone.  It seems like it is part of me, I can't imagine life without it.  It is like my best friend, who is always there for me.  Maybe it is a way of escape, I can put the world away from me, and it is just me and my piano. 

I love it because it seems to be the basic of music.  You can go anywhere musically if you know piano.  To learn piano is to learn music theory, unlike other instruments.  We play many voices, not just one.

I love the challenge in learning new music.  I love practicing.  I get too nervous in performing to enjoy it yet.  I am getting there.  I love the way I can express myself through my music.  I love that this is the way I praise God, as in pianistimo's comments.  Being a church musician, that is foremost in my thinking. 

[lichristine]

It's all I have.

[Mozartian]

I love piano because you can play 5-voice fugues (with separate lines always going at the same time) on it all by yourself. So awesome. 

[pianowolfi]

It's all I have.

Really??? Well I love the piano too but... perhaps there are also other factors in life..? To me the piano is musical instrument no 1 for sure. And life. And occupation. And lots of more. Of course.  As I stated somewhere above in this thread it is also somehow existential to me. But "All i have"? That makes me think...

[lichristine]

Really??? Well I love the piano too but... perhaps there are also other factors in life..? To me the piano is musical instrument no 1 for sure. And life. And occupation. And lots of more. Of course. As I stated somewhere above in this thread it is also somehow existential to me. But "All i have"? That makes me think...

Yep. All I have. =/

[rc]

Impossible!  You must have more.  What's your favorite book?  your favorite food?  Your favorite outdoor activity?

[pianowolfi]

Yep. All I have. =/

Well whatever happened to you. Good luck! Never give up! And the piano is indeed a good friend.

[lichristine]

Impossible! You must have more. What's your favorite book? your favorite food? Your favorite outdoor activity?

I had a pet tarantula; she died. I don't have a favorite food, I'm not allowed out much, but my favorite book is Hamlet.

[rc]

I had a pet tarantula; she died. I don't have a favorite food, I'm not allowed out much, but my favorite book is Hamlet.

I heard the other day that tarantulas aren't good with heights - they don't have to fall from a very high distance to go splat.  I guess I could be said to have pet spiders, I just let them live in the corners so long as they don't get in my way, they keep the place free from other bugs .

Have you ever tried much sushi, lichristine?  I found eel sushi delicious, but a word of warning: roe = fish eggs.  I didn't like roe, tasted like a punch in the nose.

My recent favorite book has been a collection of Chekhov short stories.  It's hard to pick one out, they were all really good.  In Exile and Rothschilds fiddle stick out in my memory.

If you can try some new sushi and read some Chekhov short stories, I can reread Hamlet this month.  It's been a long time since I've read it and I mostly forget how it went.  Whaddya say?

[nervous_wreck]

but then there's that aspect of piano that no other instrument has, which is melodicpercussiveness (my own word). Translation: you can produce anything from a singing tone, to completely banging on the keyboard and still achieve a melody of some sort. i've never heard any voice to it to quite the standard of the keyboard, and violins and such instruments can play vigorously... but not quite percussive. and naturally drums... no melody. that's why i like the piano, because it gives us the widest range of possible expressions not present with other instruments.

[lichristine]

I heard the other day that tarantulas aren't good with heights - they don't have to fall from a very high distance to go splat. I guess I could be said to have pet spiders, I just let them live in the corners so long as they don't get in my way, they keep the place free from other bugs .

Have you ever tried much sushi, lichristine? I found eel sushi delicious, but a word of warning: roe = fish eggs. I didn't like roe, tasted like a punch in the nose.

My recent favorite book has been a collection of Chekhov short stories. It's hard to pick one out, they were all really good. In Exile and Rothschilds fiddle stick out in my memory.

If you can try some new sushi and read some Chekhov short stories, I can reread Hamlet this month. It's been a long time since I've read it and I mostly forget how it went. Whaddya say?

You're a very sweet person.

yeah tarantulas are fairly fragile, the bigger they are the moreso. That's why the biggest breeds (namely Goliath bird-eating) burrow tunnels underground.

I've never tried sushi, some kids have told me I should though, and I ALWAYS love new books, so sure, sounds like a deal.

[m1469]

Well, this may sound pretty simplistic, but it's true.  The reason I love the piano is because it is precisely what it is.  That's basically what it boils down to.  I love it precisely because it's the piano .


m1469

[ramseytheii]

yeah tarantulas are fairly fragile, the bigger they are the moreso. That's why the biggest breeds (namely Goliath bird-eating) burrow tunnels underground.

Speaking of tarantulas, does anyone else think Beethoven op.109 2nd mvmt is a tarantella?

Walter Ramsey

[pianowolfi]

Speaking of tarantulas, does anyone else think Beethoven op.109 2nd mvmt is a tarantella?

Walter Ramsey

Ohh interesting idea yeah.  Thanks!

[rc]

You're a very sweet person.

yeah tarantulas are fairly fragile, the bigger they are the moreso. That's why the biggest breeds (namely Goliath bird-eating) burrow tunnels underground.

I've never tried sushi, some kids have told me I should though, and I ALWAYS love new books, so sure, sounds like a deal.

Excellent!  I'll be hitting up the bookstore for Hamlet tomorrow then

[pianowolfi]

Yes and I'll buy a tarantula tomorrow. Maybe she will inspire me to play Beethoven's op. 109 2nd mvt better.

[lichristine]

^_^ Yay Hamlet...I heart that book greatly.....

And will you really buy a tarantula? They're amazingly sweet pets; and fun to take care of. Don't let them get dehydrated, though, apparently that makes them die.

[pianowolfi]

^_^ Yay Hamlet...I heart that book greatly.....

And will you really buy a tarantula? They're amazingly sweet pets; and fun to take care of. Don't let them get dehydrated, though, apparently that makes them die.

Well I would like to have one. Because my fish always die to soon and that makes me sad. But I am not sure if that tarantula would scare some of my students (because it would be in my teaching room)

[lichristine]

Tarantulas can live up to 20 years, I believe.
And for some reason, people seem to be alot less afraid of the big tarantulas than the little common house spiders.

[rach n bach]

Tarantulas can live quite a long time... I know a guy who has had one for over 7 years!   
But my boas will probably live out to 20 years, so we'll see what stays around longer...   

Isn't this getting a little off track though?
I came to the piano when I (no kidding) saw several videos of Horowitz, they just floored me!  He showed that you can draw so much out of this piece of wood and wire that an orcestra seems irrelevant... anyway, that's just my two cents.

RnB

[pianowolfi]

Isn't this getting a little off track though?

Actually yes

I came to the piano when I (no kidding) saw several videos of Horowitz, they just floored me!  He showed that you can draw so much out of this piece of wood and wire that an orcestra seems irrelevant... anyway, that's just my two cents.

Yes Horowitz can be magic!

[RealPianist]

why do u love piano?

besides talking of the sounds that should be..., (like what others already wrote n explain it), a great teachers is an important factors that will make u love piano..

[rc]

why do u love piano?

besides talking of the sounds that should be..., (like what others already wrote n explain it), a great teachers is an important factors that will make u love piano..

That's a good point!  In the teachers forum SteveHopwood said how students practice whatever they want to practice, and Overscore mentioned how as a teacher he would instead influence what the student WANT's to practice.  I think that's a great mentality!

More than anything, it's the love that drives learning.  Inspiration could be a teachers greatest tool.  In a sense, any performer that can inspire someone is adding fuel to the destination of learning, and is a teacher.

On the other hand is the teacher who makes students hate piano...  I've heard legends, through friends who've been scared away from music, but have yet to meet one.

Wait nevermind!  I've had plenty of teachers who've demotivated me when I was a kid, especially when considering grade-school, inspiring teachers were the exception to the rule.  Well then, maybe the multitude of uninspiring teachers have indirectly taught me to motivate myself.

[bflatminor24]

I love the piano because it is the most "diversatile" instrument. I'm going to coin that word because it's entirely germane here.

The piano can create any emotion and it can sound like any other instrument. Whether it's a simple Chopin Nocturne, Quasi-Faust by Alkan, an Elegy by Rachmaninoff, a Fugue by Bach, Don Juan by Liszt, a piano concerto by Mozart or Opus Clavicembalisticum, the piano has the greatest versatility and wealth of sound. Nobody can argue with that.

Plus - most of the great composers were pianists, right? What does that say? HUH? WHAT DOES IT F*CKING SAY?

Bach (Keyboardist), Mozart, Beethoven, Alkan, Godowsky, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Schumann, Handel (Organ), Scarlatti, Telemann, Faure, Brahms, Scriabin, Chopin and Liszt.

~Max~

[dnephi]

Add Strauss, Britten, Reger, and a few others lol.

Must confess... Mahler and Wagner were not pianists .

The piano is the king of the instruments because it contains both the power variety of sound of the orchestra and the intimate emotional communication capable.

The only things which limit it are:
1. The pianist has limited (Practically not though! :p) ability
2. The Piano Can not sing
3. The piano cannot change volume on one note (except for Steinways and Faziolis, which actually crescendo upon first striking!)
4. The Piano Cannot do opera.

I must confess, I was listening to an incredible recording of Tristan and Isolde... it was very beautiful and powerful... and I thought how embarrassed I would be if my friends were to hear me listening to it... and how dorky and umm vulnerable I'd feel :p.

[ihatepop]

Piano-My best friend(ok maybe)
Piano-The thing that relieves stress after a tiresome day
Piano-The greatest sound on earth
Piano-Simple metal strings that can make the best music ever.

Piano...

ihatepop

[ichiru]

I love the voice! I really love the voice!! Each instrument has its own voice and piano voice is simply the most I like.

Despite having melody, piano can be a percussive instrument. It can't naturally sing like human voice, violin, or flute. But believe me, with some efforts, piano can be trully musical. And that effort is something interesting to overcome. Challange. 

Then, I love to hear the voice coming through my playing. And that's what makes me study it seriously. 

The great pianists use good imagination to overcome the shortcomings of the instrument.

Yes yes yeeeessss!!!!

Oh... and what's the meaning tarrantella actually?? (just curious )

[arbisley]

tarantella! My piano teacher played a concert where he played the tarantella by liszt. He introduced it by explaining that it was a dance in spain which was performed when someone had been stung bya tarantula, and they were trying to "exorcise" the poison, if you get it. It gets faster and faster as the poison vanishes... Pretty cool really!

[webern78]

I don't play the piano, but i love the instrument because it allows the right composers to reduce any superficial coloring. I like music where each note has a specific purpose, where nothing is left to chance and where everything fits into a perfectly structured whole. This is of course due the fact the piano is a self sufficient instrument. Generally speaking, once you move to ensemble or orchestral music in particular it seems a lot of composers begin to indulge themselves too much...

[letters]

i like it because of its logic and neatness..... you can sit down at these rows of keys and create something both beautiful and mathmatical. Most of all i like playing in an empty house because you can create so many voices and lines by yourself.

[rc]

tarantella! My piano teacher played a concert where he played the tarantella by liszt. He introduced it by explaining that it was a dance in spain which was performed when someone had been stung bya tarantula, and they were trying to "exorcise" the poison, if you get it. It gets faster and faster as the poison vanishes... Pretty cool really!

Yeah, I read the idea was to sweat out the poison.

It's a sweaty, poisonous, spider dance.