Notes from the Berkshires, Day 60
Bernstein Pavillion, 3.47 p.m.
In spite of starting off the day by realizing that my tools were not where they needed to be (at Ozawa instead of with me where it would make for an easy drive to Miss Hall’s for the morning’s work), and the subsequent late start caused by the need to go and get them, the day has been better than yesterday. No coincidence, I think, that the sun is shining and the sky is blue. I tuned a Boston 163 at MHS, then headed to Hickory on the grounds. This is one of the charming “huts” scattered around the south edge of the grounds, the only one with a piano, and pretty much open to the elements otherwise. The weather has not been kind to this building, and the roof has developed significant leakage. The piano is now covered by a large sheet of plastic, and most of the floor around it was wet when I arrived. The piano tuned up okay, though, and I took care of some stickiness in the damper system before putting up some warning signs asking the fellows to please re-cover the piano when not in use, and to close the windows and doors. Headed downtown for a cup and a muffin, then back to Ozawa for our team meeting at 1.00. John is gone for the coming weekend, and Steve and Emily are very busy, so I volunteered to learn to tune the harpsichord for the weekends’ rehearsals, taking that little item off their plates. Spent the afternoon working on that skill, which proved to be quite relaxing, after a fashion. Physically it’s much less demanding than tuning a piano, and harmonically it’s simpler, due to the lack of inharmonicity in the much thinner wires. For me, sort of a much-needed palate cleanser, the piano technician’s equivalent of a soda cracker, helping to clear my head of some junk that’s been floating around for the past 24 hours or so. Now heading home for a run, which should finish the job.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Rainy Wall
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 59
Miss Hall’s School, 5.18 p.m.
Today has been a bona fide rainy summer day. It began overcast, and then as the morning went on it became more and more steamy, as the sun tried to burn through the cloud cover. By mid afternoon, the storms arrived, and there has been a steady rainfall ever since. Fortunately, my day at the grounds was over by then: tuning in the Chamber Music hall, a tech session with the team continuing work on the on the Aspen L in the Manor House, and another tuning in the East Barn, where I was just finishing up as the rains began.
At that point, I hit a wall of sorts. Combination of hunger, weather, and brain fatigue sent me scurrying from the grounds and apartment-ward for a light late lunch and a nap while the rain fell outside my window. Feeling slightly refreshed, I took care of some accounting business, and spent some time reviewing my notes for a presentation on bass strings from my CSPT final project which I will be re-presenting to the team here at some point in the next couple of weeks. Then down to MHS for dinner.
There’s been a lot of talk amongst the team members about the length of the stretch here, and having to fight off homesickness. As beautiful as this experience has been, I’m feeling it especially today: it’s been almost nine weeks, more than half a semester in school language, and there’s a big part of me that’s ready to go home. So – how to combat it and keep the energy going for these last days? Steve’s idea is to continue to improve each piano we’re charged with, not only tuning but trying to make it feel and sound better, whether it’s a Boston 156 or a Steinway B. Good advice, but hard to put into practice on a day like today. Here’s hoping for better weather tomorrow, which would help my mood.
Miss Hall’s School, 5.18 p.m.
Today has been a bona fide rainy summer day. It began overcast, and then as the morning went on it became more and more steamy, as the sun tried to burn through the cloud cover. By mid afternoon, the storms arrived, and there has been a steady rainfall ever since. Fortunately, my day at the grounds was over by then: tuning in the Chamber Music hall, a tech session with the team continuing work on the on the Aspen L in the Manor House, and another tuning in the East Barn, where I was just finishing up as the rains began.
At that point, I hit a wall of sorts. Combination of hunger, weather, and brain fatigue sent me scurrying from the grounds and apartment-ward for a light late lunch and a nap while the rain fell outside my window. Feeling slightly refreshed, I took care of some accounting business, and spent some time reviewing my notes for a presentation on bass strings from my CSPT final project which I will be re-presenting to the team here at some point in the next couple of weeks. Then down to MHS for dinner.
There’s been a lot of talk amongst the team members about the length of the stretch here, and having to fight off homesickness. As beautiful as this experience has been, I’m feeling it especially today: it’s been almost nine weeks, more than half a semester in school language, and there’s a big part of me that’s ready to go home. So – how to combat it and keep the energy going for these last days? Steve’s idea is to continue to improve each piano we’re charged with, not only tuning but trying to make it feel and sound better, whether it’s a Boston 156 or a Steinway B. Good advice, but hard to put into practice on a day like today. Here’s hoping for better weather tomorrow, which would help my mood.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tanglewood on Parade (with cannons)
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 58
Miss Hall’s School, 6.03 p.m.
Something odd is afoot at Tanglewood this morning I:
II
III
Actually, these are merely the cannons for this evening’s performance of the William Tell overture, a part of what’s called “Tanglewood on Parade”, a rather large-ish fund raising day filled with pops-type concerts from mid afternoon through the evening. As you can see, at 7.00 a.m. things were looking rather soupy, but by 10.00 things had cleared off nicely, and it turned into a beautiful day. I spent the morning tuning in the Chamber Music hall, regulating in Maple, and working on seating and stretching the strings on a Boston 156 in the Ash space. Doing that, of course, guarantees that you’ll need a tuning, if not a pitch raise as well; I got by with some overstretching, winding up at just about 440. Since we’re a 441-type place, that means I’ll need to go over it again asap, but that’s alright as it wasn’t particularly stable after the string work anyway.
The early-morning thing seems to be working pretty well for me; I put in almost 7 hours today and was still able to cut out at 3.30 for an afternoon run prior to dinner.
In other news, the Cubs are back in 1st place, and V sounds like she’s successfully survived a big audit at her job, something for which she’s spent months preparing. I wish I could be there to celebrate with her, but we’ll have to make due over the phone. Not nearly as much fun.
Miss Hall’s School, 6.03 p.m.
Something odd is afoot at Tanglewood this morning I:
II
III
Actually, these are merely the cannons for this evening’s performance of the William Tell overture, a part of what’s called “Tanglewood on Parade”, a rather large-ish fund raising day filled with pops-type concerts from mid afternoon through the evening. As you can see, at 7.00 a.m. things were looking rather soupy, but by 10.00 things had cleared off nicely, and it turned into a beautiful day. I spent the morning tuning in the Chamber Music hall, regulating in Maple, and working on seating and stretching the strings on a Boston 156 in the Ash space. Doing that, of course, guarantees that you’ll need a tuning, if not a pitch raise as well; I got by with some overstretching, winding up at just about 440. Since we’re a 441-type place, that means I’ll need to go over it again asap, but that’s alright as it wasn’t particularly stable after the string work anyway.
The early-morning thing seems to be working pretty well for me; I put in almost 7 hours today and was still able to cut out at 3.30 for an afternoon run prior to dinner.
In other news, the Cubs are back in 1st place, and V sounds like she’s successfully survived a big audit at her job, something for which she’s spent months preparing. I wish I could be there to celebrate with her, but we’ll have to make due over the phone. Not nearly as much fun.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Home Stretch
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 57
Bernstein Performer’s Pavillion, 10.36 a.m.
Made it through the weekend without managing to post, which might indicate business, but in fact was simply due to a combination of laziness and not being near an internet connection. It was a good weekend, with a long run on Saturday afternoon prior to a very enjoyable team dinner at our apartment, and, other than a Berry Mountain hike and a couple of weissbiers at the Olde Forge, Sunday was a do-nothing day. Much needed.
We rotate pianos for the home stretch today, and so this morning I checked on my highest-profile instruments, doing a bit of maintenance (more sostenuto issues, of course) and some tuning.
A very cool experience on Saturday, when I was working on regulating the action on the A in the Chamber Music hall. The side was wide open:
And my background music was the BSO and chorus rehearsing the Brahms Requiem in the Shed. One of those “am I really here, doing this?” moments.
Bernstein Performer’s Pavillion, 10.36 a.m.
Made it through the weekend without managing to post, which might indicate business, but in fact was simply due to a combination of laziness and not being near an internet connection. It was a good weekend, with a long run on Saturday afternoon prior to a very enjoyable team dinner at our apartment, and, other than a Berry Mountain hike and a couple of weissbiers at the Olde Forge, Sunday was a do-nothing day. Much needed.
We rotate pianos for the home stretch today, and so this morning I checked on my highest-profile instruments, doing a bit of maintenance (more sostenuto issues, of course) and some tuning.
A very cool experience on Saturday, when I was working on regulating the action on the A in the Chamber Music hall. The side was wide open:
And my background music was the BSO and chorus rehearsing the Brahms Requiem in the Shed. One of those “am I really here, doing this?” moments.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Mouse House
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 54
Bernstein Performers Pavillion, 2.04 p.m.
I’m killing some time before my next appointment, which is the soloist room in the Shed; the weekends’ soloist is playing Bernstein, and I heard her practicing. Aggressive, shall we say? I’m anticipating more than a few unisons will have drifted.
Started the day in the Chamber Music Hall, where I worked on today’s PotD I:
II
III
IV
V
This is the A on the floor, one of three pianos in the room, and best known here as the “Mouse Piano”, in honor of it almost becoming a permanent residence to a local rodential resident, now sadly (well, not so much) deceased. The photos show the inside of the action cavity, the action itself where the mouse took material to build the nest, and the hammers where he (or she) found tasty and/or comfy felt. I’ve been trying to ascertain why people aren’t using it, opting for the Boston 163 instead. Today, after tightening up the unisons, I spent some time playing both pianos and looking at the regulation, discovering a few things that could be adjusted, but not leaving myself enough time to do the actual work before the next rehearsal began. Followed that with a tech session on voicing with the team, and then home for lunch and a run. We’re really heading into the home stretch here; Monday we rotate pianos for the last time, meaning there are just three weeks left. I have some preparations to make,but for the most part I’m getting to the point of being ready to head home and begin the work of jump-starting A is A Piano Service.
Bernstein Performers Pavillion, 2.04 p.m.
I’m killing some time before my next appointment, which is the soloist room in the Shed; the weekends’ soloist is playing Bernstein, and I heard her practicing. Aggressive, shall we say? I’m anticipating more than a few unisons will have drifted.
Started the day in the Chamber Music Hall, where I worked on today’s PotD I:
II
III
IV
V
This is the A on the floor, one of three pianos in the room, and best known here as the “Mouse Piano”, in honor of it almost becoming a permanent residence to a local rodential resident, now sadly (well, not so much) deceased. The photos show the inside of the action cavity, the action itself where the mouse took material to build the nest, and the hammers where he (or she) found tasty and/or comfy felt. I’ve been trying to ascertain why people aren’t using it, opting for the Boston 163 instead. Today, after tightening up the unisons, I spent some time playing both pianos and looking at the regulation, discovering a few things that could be adjusted, but not leaving myself enough time to do the actual work before the next rehearsal began. Followed that with a tech session on voicing with the team, and then home for lunch and a run. We’re really heading into the home stretch here; Monday we rotate pianos for the last time, meaning there are just three weeks left. I have some preparations to make,but for the most part I’m getting to the point of being ready to head home and begin the work of jump-starting A is A Piano Service.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Sostenuto Bomb
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 53
Miss Hall’s School, 5.24 p.m.
There was only one hitch to the new schedule: Barista #2 showed up extra late, and barely had the doors open at 7.00, but no coffee ready to go. So, off I went to work, and made a cup for myself at home over lunch. Their loss.
A good day today, with tuning accomplished on four pianos plus some sostenuto mechanism work on two others. This seems to be my lot here – regulating out-of-whack sostenuto systems; seems they find me more often than the others. I joked with SC at our daily meeting that he might be traveling around messing with the pianos before I get there, so as to give me the experience. “Planting the sostenuto bomb” is my phrase for it. It’s a complicated little beastie, especially on Steinways, and not something I’m likely to run into often in the field, but still good to know how to deal with it.
The PotD – the Hamburg D from the Shed, a truly remarkable piano:
Miss Hall’s School, 5.24 p.m.
There was only one hitch to the new schedule: Barista #2 showed up extra late, and barely had the doors open at 7.00, but no coffee ready to go. So, off I went to work, and made a cup for myself at home over lunch. Their loss.
A good day today, with tuning accomplished on four pianos plus some sostenuto mechanism work on two others. This seems to be my lot here – regulating out-of-whack sostenuto systems; seems they find me more often than the others. I joked with SC at our daily meeting that he might be traveling around messing with the pianos before I get there, so as to give me the experience. “Planting the sostenuto bomb” is my phrase for it. It’s a complicated little beastie, especially on Steinways, and not something I’m likely to run into often in the field, but still good to know how to deal with it.
The PotD – the Hamburg D from the Shed, a truly remarkable piano:
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Back at it
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 52
Miss Hall’s School, 5.19 p.m.
Midnight it was, or close enough to. I slept in until nearly eight a.m. this morning, and still felt wiped out all day. Thanks to Steve and John, there weren’t any fires to put out with my pianos, so I was able to work on all three pianos in the Chamber Music Hall in the morning, and hit the Shed soloist room and the Carriage House upstairs M in the afternoon. Left the grounds at 3.30, and went for a run, which felt amazingly good after all the inactivity of the past five days. Inactivity might not actually be the best word, but there was definitely a LOT of sitting on my butt. I’ve decided to alter my morning routine starting tomorrow, and get to the grounds at 7.00, stopping only for a to-go cup along the way. Getting an earlier start will save me some scheduling hassles, and also will alleviate any possible guilt at cutting out early for exercise, as I did today. I think by the end of the day tomorrow I’ll be fully back into work mode, but it’s surprising how out-of-whack I felt today. Traveling: not easy on the body no matter how you slice it.
Miss Hall’s School, 5.19 p.m.
Midnight it was, or close enough to. I slept in until nearly eight a.m. this morning, and still felt wiped out all day. Thanks to Steve and John, there weren’t any fires to put out with my pianos, so I was able to work on all three pianos in the Chamber Music Hall in the morning, and hit the Shed soloist room and the Carriage House upstairs M in the afternoon. Left the grounds at 3.30, and went for a run, which felt amazingly good after all the inactivity of the past five days. Inactivity might not actually be the best word, but there was definitely a LOT of sitting on my butt. I’ve decided to alter my morning routine starting tomorrow, and get to the grounds at 7.00, stopping only for a to-go cup along the way. Getting an earlier start will save me some scheduling hassles, and also will alleviate any possible guilt at cutting out early for exercise, as I did today. I think by the end of the day tomorrow I’ll be fully back into work mode, but it’s surprising how out-of-whack I felt today. Traveling: not easy on the body no matter how you slice it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Homeward bound, sort of
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 51
Philadelphia Int’l Airport, 2.22 p.m.
Headed back to the Berkshires after an exhausting but well-spent four days with V in Gurnee and Monroe. There isn’t any easy way to deal with the death of a loved one, and there was the expected amount of trauma, both psychological and physical. My flight plans for the way home have been changed due to a maintenance issue with my connecting flight, so instead of arriving back in Pittsfield in time for dinner, it’s possible I won’t actually be back until midnight, unless one of the standby options comes to pass. Thank goodness for free wi-fi and good books.
Tomorrow I’ll attempt to re-start my piano-tech vibe.
Philadelphia Int’l Airport, 2.22 p.m.
Headed back to the Berkshires after an exhausting but well-spent four days with V in Gurnee and Monroe. There isn’t any easy way to deal with the death of a loved one, and there was the expected amount of trauma, both psychological and physical. My flight plans for the way home have been changed due to a maintenance issue with my connecting flight, so instead of arriving back in Pittsfield in time for dinner, it’s possible I won’t actually be back until midnight, unless one of the standby options comes to pass. Thank goodness for free wi-fi and good books.
Tomorrow I’ll attempt to re-start my piano-tech vibe.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 47
Albany Int’l Airport, 4.33 a.m.
Sad news yesterday that Vicky’s father passed away suddenly. I’m en route to Chicago and home for a few days to offer what support I can. Steve and John have graciously offered to cover my pianos at Tanglewood until I return, most likely Tuesday evening.
Albany Int’l Airport, 4.33 a.m.
Sad news yesterday that Vicky’s father passed away suddenly. I’m en route to Chicago and home for a few days to offer what support I can. Steve and John have graciously offered to cover my pianos at Tanglewood until I return, most likely Tuesday evening.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Back in the Middle again...
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 46
Lenox Coffee, 7.20 a.m.
PotD: the M in Manor House Room #6:
This piano falls into the “Looks like a million bucks, but needs work” category. Case is of a beautiful African Pommele veneer. The action is a work in progress, though. Not all Steinways are great out of the box.
Better news from Schaff re: DH’s health – a serious situation is now serious-but-stable-with-a-positive-prognosis. Another health situation has arisen, this time in V’s family, which is not looking so good. More positive thoughts sent out this morning.
Yesterday had a decided odor of The Middle to it. We are in a stretch right now where pianos are more stable, but as we get more adept at identifying issues, especially of regulation, there is more work yet to be done. A case of “the farther in you go, the deeper it gets”. Unfortunately, the room schedule is more intractable than it has been; with the final four weeks of performances looming, all the Fellows are scrambling for rehearsal space, which inhibits the team’s ability to dig into these issues. The result, oddly enough, is down-time, which feels not relaxing, but wasteful. I occupied myself with reading and trying to be helpful to V at-a-distance, with some success. On tap today: the Shed soloist room piano, currently in the service of Leon Fleisher.
Lenox Coffee, 7.20 a.m.
PotD: the M in Manor House Room #6:
This piano falls into the “Looks like a million bucks, but needs work” category. Case is of a beautiful African Pommele veneer. The action is a work in progress, though. Not all Steinways are great out of the box.
Better news from Schaff re: DH’s health – a serious situation is now serious-but-stable-with-a-positive-prognosis. Another health situation has arisen, this time in V’s family, which is not looking so good. More positive thoughts sent out this morning.
Yesterday had a decided odor of The Middle to it. We are in a stretch right now where pianos are more stable, but as we get more adept at identifying issues, especially of regulation, there is more work yet to be done. A case of “the farther in you go, the deeper it gets”. Unfortunately, the room schedule is more intractable than it has been; with the final four weeks of performances looming, all the Fellows are scrambling for rehearsal space, which inhibits the team’s ability to dig into these issues. The result, oddly enough, is down-time, which feels not relaxing, but wasteful. I occupied myself with reading and trying to be helpful to V at-a-distance, with some success. On tap today: the Shed soloist room piano, currently in the service of Leon Fleisher.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The unusual
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 45
Lenox Coffee, 7.04 a.m.
Barista #2 is on the job, this morning, after a fashion. No tables out or lights on at 7.00, but he was already making my Americano as I walked in the door.
Disturbing news yesterday from Schaff, where a colleague has fallen into hard family and health times. Positive thoughts sent that direction during the morning sitting
I did the unusual yesterday, and went for a mid-day run instead of my late afternoon usual. This was precipitated by scheduling difficulties at the grounds; computers were down, so the only way to tell if a space had been signed out (beyond the posted rehearsal schedule) was to actually walk to the location and open the door. At 10.30 I decided that the most efficient use of my pre-lunch time would be to leave the grounds and take advantage of the nice weather. Turned out okay – by the time I got back and went to a couple of pianos I was relatively sure wouldn’t be occupied, the computers were operational again and I was able to schedule the next couple of days.
The PotD is a Boston 163, a shade over 5’4”. We have many of these on the grounds, at Miss Hall’s, and in faculty homes, and I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with them in terms of their tuning and regulating issues. They’re decent pianos for the size. This one is in the lovely – and aptly named – space called the East Barn. It’s not one of the busier spaces, used primarily for wind ensemble rehearsals, and the piano as you can see is pushed off into a far corner of the room, where it doesn’t see much use. As in many locations, there are gaps in the walls and holes in the screens (where there are screens, that is). All things considered, it’s remarkable that pianos in these spaces become as stable as they do.
The PotD:
Well, nuts – the internet appears to be non-responsive this morning. A signal shows on the desktop, but evidently not of sufficient strength to allow actual transmission of data.
Haven Cafe and Bakery, 11.42 a.m.
A shortish lunch break, and online access seems to be working here, so I’ll try to upload the blog entry.
Lenox Coffee, 7.04 a.m.
Barista #2 is on the job, this morning, after a fashion. No tables out or lights on at 7.00, but he was already making my Americano as I walked in the door.
Disturbing news yesterday from Schaff, where a colleague has fallen into hard family and health times. Positive thoughts sent that direction during the morning sitting
I did the unusual yesterday, and went for a mid-day run instead of my late afternoon usual. This was precipitated by scheduling difficulties at the grounds; computers were down, so the only way to tell if a space had been signed out (beyond the posted rehearsal schedule) was to actually walk to the location and open the door. At 10.30 I decided that the most efficient use of my pre-lunch time would be to leave the grounds and take advantage of the nice weather. Turned out okay – by the time I got back and went to a couple of pianos I was relatively sure wouldn’t be occupied, the computers were operational again and I was able to schedule the next couple of days.
The PotD is a Boston 163, a shade over 5’4”. We have many of these on the grounds, at Miss Hall’s, and in faculty homes, and I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with them in terms of their tuning and regulating issues. They’re decent pianos for the size. This one is in the lovely – and aptly named – space called the East Barn. It’s not one of the busier spaces, used primarily for wind ensemble rehearsals, and the piano as you can see is pushed off into a far corner of the room, where it doesn’t see much use. As in many locations, there are gaps in the walls and holes in the screens (where there are screens, that is). All things considered, it’s remarkable that pianos in these spaces become as stable as they do.
The PotD:
Well, nuts – the internet appears to be non-responsive this morning. A signal shows on the desktop, but evidently not of sufficient strength to allow actual transmission of data.
Haven Cafe and Bakery, 11.42 a.m.
A shortish lunch break, and online access seems to be working here, so I’ll try to upload the blog entry.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
New Feature: Piano of the Day!
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 44
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
Piano of the Day, Boston 215 #1:
#2:
These pianos are located in the “Birch” rehearsal space, a short distance from Ozawa Hall and our piano tech meeting area. They appear nearly identical, but #1 is significantly older than #2, which I believe is brand-new. The photos don’t show it, but the room is open to the air for a good portion of each day, via a set of - literal - barn doors of the sliding variety which open up one entire wall. Nice for fresh air, not so much for keeping out humidity, wind, mosquitos, and other small critters. The 215 is Boston’s economy version of the Steinway B (215 cm=approx. 7 feet). These have been decent pianos for the festival, fairly reliable and ready to play right out of the box, not needing extensive regulation as the Steinways often do. they’re definitely not the instruments the S & S pianos are, though, in terms of sound or feel.
Yesterday was a very nice day and quiet around the grounds. I tuned both of the above pianos in the morning, and moved to the Chamber Hall for the early afternoon, to double check the A for tuning and playability; fine on both counts. Ended the day by tuning the M upstairs in the Carriage House, a piano I hadn’t yet seen on this rotation. Even though the weather was excellent, I gave myself my scheduled day off from exercise, opting instead for dinner at Miss Hall’s followed by another good chunk of Foucault’s Pendulum, one of my summer re-reads. It’s a very entertaining book, fairly dense, but I’m getting more deeply into it than I did on the first reading. I can’t say from first hand knowledge, not having read it, but from what I know of The Da Vinci Code, I believe this book has a similar story-type, but with bigger words. Definitely one of those books where it’s good to keep a dictionary handy.
Another good weather forecast for the day, so the plan is to schedule the remaining weeks’ work, hit pianos until three or so, then head out for a run before dinner. Perhaps I’ll even watch part of the All-Star Game this evening, to support Ted Lilly, the Cubs’ lone representative.
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
Piano of the Day, Boston 215 #1:
#2:
These pianos are located in the “Birch” rehearsal space, a short distance from Ozawa Hall and our piano tech meeting area. They appear nearly identical, but #1 is significantly older than #2, which I believe is brand-new. The photos don’t show it, but the room is open to the air for a good portion of each day, via a set of - literal - barn doors of the sliding variety which open up one entire wall. Nice for fresh air, not so much for keeping out humidity, wind, mosquitos, and other small critters. The 215 is Boston’s economy version of the Steinway B (215 cm=approx. 7 feet). These have been decent pianos for the festival, fairly reliable and ready to play right out of the box, not needing extensive regulation as the Steinways often do. they’re definitely not the instruments the S & S pianos are, though, in terms of sound or feel.
Yesterday was a very nice day and quiet around the grounds. I tuned both of the above pianos in the morning, and moved to the Chamber Hall for the early afternoon, to double check the A for tuning and playability; fine on both counts. Ended the day by tuning the M upstairs in the Carriage House, a piano I hadn’t yet seen on this rotation. Even though the weather was excellent, I gave myself my scheduled day off from exercise, opting instead for dinner at Miss Hall’s followed by another good chunk of Foucault’s Pendulum, one of my summer re-reads. It’s a very entertaining book, fairly dense, but I’m getting more deeply into it than I did on the first reading. I can’t say from first hand knowledge, not having read it, but from what I know of The Da Vinci Code, I believe this book has a similar story-type, but with bigger words. Definitely one of those books where it’s good to keep a dictionary handy.
Another good weather forecast for the day, so the plan is to schedule the remaining weeks’ work, hit pianos until three or so, then head out for a run before dinner. Perhaps I’ll even watch part of the All-Star Game this evening, to support Ted Lilly, the Cubs’ lone representative.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday views
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 43
Lenox Coffee, 7.03 a.m.
The top of Berry Mountain was lovely yesterday - I:
II:
Among all of the various activities I undertook on my day off, I decided to search for the gravesite of Serge Koussevitsky, founder of Tanglewood, conductor of the BSO, and bassist. He’s buried at a place called the Church on the Hill, near downtown Lenox. It took me a bit of wandering, but I located the spot where he rests with his 2nd and 3rd wives, Natalie and Olga - I:
II:
III:
IV:
V:
Today is a designated “day off” for the Fellows, which means it’s a work day for the piano technician team, when we have broad access to most of the instruments. My plan is to hit those in the busiest rehearsal spaces first, followed by as many of the others as I can reasonably fit in.
Lenox Coffee, 7.03 a.m.
The top of Berry Mountain was lovely yesterday - I:
II:
Among all of the various activities I undertook on my day off, I decided to search for the gravesite of Serge Koussevitsky, founder of Tanglewood, conductor of the BSO, and bassist. He’s buried at a place called the Church on the Hill, near downtown Lenox. It took me a bit of wandering, but I located the spot where he rests with his 2nd and 3rd wives, Natalie and Olga - I:
II:
III:
IV:
V:
Today is a designated “day off” for the Fellows, which means it’s a work day for the piano technician team, when we have broad access to most of the instruments. My plan is to hit those in the busiest rehearsal spaces first, followed by as many of the others as I can reasonably fit in.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Small successes
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 42
Lenox Coffee, 8.48 a.m.
Taking it a bit easy this morning, as yesterday turned out to be a longish and tiring day – in a good way, though. I began by having a small amount of success adjusting the damper system of the A in the Chamber Music Hall. This is a set of skills in which I feel somewhat deficient, so a small amount of success is definitely acceptable. A good tech session in the late morning, also covering damper work, for good reinforcement, and then the luncheon for Fellowship sponsors and TMC overseers. Subtitle: “The Republicans meet the Democrats”. Can’t complain, though, as none of the Fellows would be here without the support of all those donors. After lunch, I added 1 ¾ miles to my normal run by exploring a side route leading up to the base of a small ski resort. Longest run I’ve made in well over a year, and it felt very good. Afterwards headed out to the Olde Forge pub with Steve, John, and John’s daughter, visiting for the weekend. Nice time with good conversation and excellent beer.
This day off is filling up quickly, with a trip to the grounds to support the bass Fellows in their Schuller Quartet performance, a trip to the state forest to do my regular Berry Mtn. hike, and then laundry and perhaps even a haircut thrown in, if I can find a place willing to shear me for under $10-15 bucks. The sun is shining, and the sky is blue – looking like a nearly-perfect day.
Lenox Coffee, 8.48 a.m.
Taking it a bit easy this morning, as yesterday turned out to be a longish and tiring day – in a good way, though. I began by having a small amount of success adjusting the damper system of the A in the Chamber Music Hall. This is a set of skills in which I feel somewhat deficient, so a small amount of success is definitely acceptable. A good tech session in the late morning, also covering damper work, for good reinforcement, and then the luncheon for Fellowship sponsors and TMC overseers. Subtitle: “The Republicans meet the Democrats”. Can’t complain, though, as none of the Fellows would be here without the support of all those donors. After lunch, I added 1 ¾ miles to my normal run by exploring a side route leading up to the base of a small ski resort. Longest run I’ve made in well over a year, and it felt very good. Afterwards headed out to the Olde Forge pub with Steve, John, and John’s daughter, visiting for the weekend. Nice time with good conversation and excellent beer.
This day off is filling up quickly, with a trip to the grounds to support the bass Fellows in their Schuller Quartet performance, a trip to the state forest to do my regular Berry Mtn. hike, and then laundry and perhaps even a haircut thrown in, if I can find a place willing to shear me for under $10-15 bucks. The sun is shining, and the sky is blue – looking like a nearly-perfect day.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Abandoned A
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 41
Lenox Coffee, 7.09 a.m.
Back in IL, I would usually wake up in a leisurely fashion on a Saturday morning in the summertime, not necessarily having a plan in particular, but contemplating filling my day with things like yardwork, exercise, cooking, perhaps some shopping. I have to say, as much as I enjoy what I’m doing here, I do miss that type of morning just a little. Today is a work day, for the most part, starting with continuing to attempt to make the A in the Chamber Music Hall palatable to the pianists again, after the “malfunction” earlier in the week. I went in to tune the piano yesterday, and found it shoved against a wall, closed up, with the Boston 163 (a decent, but definitely lesser piano) front and center, having just been used in a vocal masterclass with Maestro Levine. Poor Steinway A! No one wants to take a chance. So – I checked it out thoroughly after tuning it, found one regulation issue causing a key to miss on hard blows (easy fix), and a number of issues with the damper system (not so easy). Those will be my focus of my first two hours this morning. Afterwards we’ll meet as a team for a technical session with SC, and then there’s the annual meet-the-fellowship-sponsors luncheon, de rigueur attendance for all fellows. After that, the day (and most of tomorrow as well) is mine.
Yesterday’s tech session was a nice talk by/with a pair of technicians from Manhattan (one of whom had been a Fellow previously, the other employed by a couple dealerships, currently at Juilliard, and having had a brief stint with Steinway before falling victim to the layoffs back in April) on their career path and current business, in addition to some light discussion of regulation issues. Very nice, and good to hear the viewpoint of others just getting started in the field. It also happens that one of them works at the same dealership as one of my CSPT classmates. Small world, yet again.
Heard the first half of the BSO concert at the Shed last night: Beethoven Piano Concerto #1 with Emmanuel Ax as the soloist. I’ve never had the opportunity to get to know this piece either as a listener or as an orchestra member, and it was a pleasant surprise; late enough in the master's output to be harmonically daring, but still light and with a sense of humor. Well-played, of course, and once again the Hamburg shone. We’re very spoiled here for quality of listening experiences.
Lenox Coffee, 7.09 a.m.
Back in IL, I would usually wake up in a leisurely fashion on a Saturday morning in the summertime, not necessarily having a plan in particular, but contemplating filling my day with things like yardwork, exercise, cooking, perhaps some shopping. I have to say, as much as I enjoy what I’m doing here, I do miss that type of morning just a little. Today is a work day, for the most part, starting with continuing to attempt to make the A in the Chamber Music Hall palatable to the pianists again, after the “malfunction” earlier in the week. I went in to tune the piano yesterday, and found it shoved against a wall, closed up, with the Boston 163 (a decent, but definitely lesser piano) front and center, having just been used in a vocal masterclass with Maestro Levine. Poor Steinway A! No one wants to take a chance. So – I checked it out thoroughly after tuning it, found one regulation issue causing a key to miss on hard blows (easy fix), and a number of issues with the damper system (not so easy). Those will be my focus of my first two hours this morning. Afterwards we’ll meet as a team for a technical session with SC, and then there’s the annual meet-the-fellowship-sponsors luncheon, de rigueur attendance for all fellows. After that, the day (and most of tomorrow as well) is mine.
Yesterday’s tech session was a nice talk by/with a pair of technicians from Manhattan (one of whom had been a Fellow previously, the other employed by a couple dealerships, currently at Juilliard, and having had a brief stint with Steinway before falling victim to the layoffs back in April) on their career path and current business, in addition to some light discussion of regulation issues. Very nice, and good to hear the viewpoint of others just getting started in the field. It also happens that one of them works at the same dealership as one of my CSPT classmates. Small world, yet again.
Heard the first half of the BSO concert at the Shed last night: Beethoven Piano Concerto #1 with Emmanuel Ax as the soloist. I’ve never had the opportunity to get to know this piece either as a listener or as an orchestra member, and it was a pleasant surprise; late enough in the master's output to be harmonically daring, but still light and with a sense of humor. Well-played, of course, and once again the Hamburg shone. We’re very spoiled here for quality of listening experiences.
Friday, July 10, 2009
My nemesis (yesterday, anyway)
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 40
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and an actual unqualified beautiful day is forecast. The plan at the grounds is to hit two of my pianos with a technical session sandwiched in-between, arranged by Steve, on some topic or topics of interest to the team. In otherwords, a fairly relaxed day, with beautiful weather as accompaniment. Not bad, not bad.
I slept well last night, for the first time this week it seems. Every so often I get into these patterns where rest eludes me; I have trouble falling asleep, or I wake up often, or just wake up feeling as if I haven’t slept at all. Hopefully this signals a return to healthy sleep patterns. No matter how much you like what you’re doing, if wake up tired it’s difficult to enjoy the day.
There appears to be a piano here that is my nemesis: a certain Boston 163 in a faculty home. I’ve visited it twice now, the first time for basic set-up and a first tuning; if I remember right I was a little rushed at that time. Yesterday was a call for tuning, and I discovered significant regulation issues needing to be dealt with. In both instances, after finishing the tuning I discovered notes that were, well, just plain sour and stinky. Bad enough that chords using them were noticeably out-of-tune. I’m still not sure where it happens, or what I’m missing, but it makes me second-guess my tunings: am I leaving other pianos in a similar state? Hopefully it’s just this one instrument, and there’s something about the stability that makes it easier to knock notes out of tune as you go along. At any rate, it was a frustration yesterday, but after going home and out for a nice run, I felt more at ease.
And speaking of my running: I am finally feeling like I’m approaching about-to-be-becoming in decent summer shape. The route hasn’t changed for a month, and it feels a little stronger and manageable each time. First time in a year that I’ve felt close to being on top of things physically. Good news for one who, like many, choose to dance underneath the sword of Damocles that is under- or un-insuredness.
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and an actual unqualified beautiful day is forecast. The plan at the grounds is to hit two of my pianos with a technical session sandwiched in-between, arranged by Steve, on some topic or topics of interest to the team. In otherwords, a fairly relaxed day, with beautiful weather as accompaniment. Not bad, not bad.
I slept well last night, for the first time this week it seems. Every so often I get into these patterns where rest eludes me; I have trouble falling asleep, or I wake up often, or just wake up feeling as if I haven’t slept at all. Hopefully this signals a return to healthy sleep patterns. No matter how much you like what you’re doing, if wake up tired it’s difficult to enjoy the day.
There appears to be a piano here that is my nemesis: a certain Boston 163 in a faculty home. I’ve visited it twice now, the first time for basic set-up and a first tuning; if I remember right I was a little rushed at that time. Yesterday was a call for tuning, and I discovered significant regulation issues needing to be dealt with. In both instances, after finishing the tuning I discovered notes that were, well, just plain sour and stinky. Bad enough that chords using them were noticeably out-of-tune. I’m still not sure where it happens, or what I’m missing, but it makes me second-guess my tunings: am I leaving other pianos in a similar state? Hopefully it’s just this one instrument, and there’s something about the stability that makes it easier to knock notes out of tune as you go along. At any rate, it was a frustration yesterday, but after going home and out for a nice run, I felt more at ease.
And speaking of my running: I am finally feeling like I’m approaching about-to-be-becoming in decent summer shape. The route hasn’t changed for a month, and it feels a little stronger and manageable each time. First time in a year that I’ve felt close to being on top of things physically. Good news for one who, like many, choose to dance underneath the sword of Damocles that is under- or un-insuredness.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Detective work
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 39
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
It appears that I’ve fallen into a definite routine here – each morning when I look at the time on my computer as I type my first lines, it’s within a minute or two of the same time. Perhaps that means a change is in order. Or not. I have been told more than once that I’m a guy who likes his routines…
Experienced my first quasi-emergency yesterday, as a piano evidently started to malfunction just before a masterclass was slated to begin. Not dire straits, as the problem piano ws not the primary instrument to be used in the class, but still disconcerting to the accompanist who was playing at the time. Unfortunately, no specific symptoms could be offered, so it became an exercise in What-could-cause-such-a-problem, and going through a number of regulation issues that could possibly perhaps contribute to part of the problem. Detective work. With Steve’s help, I arrived at a three-pronged strategy aimed at friction and repetition issues in general, and worked on the piano for a couple of hours. Today will tell if the desired effect was achieved.
I realized yesterday that I’m really out of touch with what is going on in the world, when someone mentioned the Palin resignation and I must have given them the blank stare. As I peruse CNN this morning, though, I feel that being out of touch for awhile isn’t necessarily a bad thing; the MJ hoopla, more celebrity deaths, the McNair murder/suicide, economic woes continuing – not a bad time to be immersed in Steinways and Music in the Berkshires. Of course, the Jackson saga will still be ongoing when I get back to the world next month, no doubt, so I’ll get my fill then. MADE FOR TV, as Owen Meany would say.
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
It appears that I’ve fallen into a definite routine here – each morning when I look at the time on my computer as I type my first lines, it’s within a minute or two of the same time. Perhaps that means a change is in order. Or not. I have been told more than once that I’m a guy who likes his routines…
Experienced my first quasi-emergency yesterday, as a piano evidently started to malfunction just before a masterclass was slated to begin. Not dire straits, as the problem piano ws not the primary instrument to be used in the class, but still disconcerting to the accompanist who was playing at the time. Unfortunately, no specific symptoms could be offered, so it became an exercise in What-could-cause-such-a-problem, and going through a number of regulation issues that could possibly perhaps contribute to part of the problem. Detective work. With Steve’s help, I arrived at a three-pronged strategy aimed at friction and repetition issues in general, and worked on the piano for a couple of hours. Today will tell if the desired effect was achieved.
I realized yesterday that I’m really out of touch with what is going on in the world, when someone mentioned the Palin resignation and I must have given them the blank stare. As I peruse CNN this morning, though, I feel that being out of touch for awhile isn’t necessarily a bad thing; the MJ hoopla, more celebrity deaths, the McNair murder/suicide, economic woes continuing – not a bad time to be immersed in Steinways and Music in the Berkshires. Of course, the Jackson saga will still be ongoing when I get back to the world next month, no doubt, so I’ll get my fill then. MADE FOR TV, as Owen Meany would say.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A found harmonium
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 38
Lenox Coffee, 7.09 a.m.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue – at least above 500 feet, and the fog that has Pittsfield socked in this morning. A little bit lighter here in Lenox, but the drive down was pretty dense at times. Cool temperatures are once again forecast; I’ve arrived at the viewpoint that the closer we get to August without seeing real summer heat, the easier the stay in the un-air-conditioned apartment will be. Compared to how it could be right now, not such a bad thing to be a bit on the cool side.
I had a fairly easy day yesterday, managing to get tunings done on two pianos. We were scheduled for a team meeting/class in the late morning, but we were booted from our scheduled space by of all things repair work on a harmonium. I wouldn’t have minded seeing that process, as I’m only vaguely aware of what a harmonium is, much less knowing how it works, but we chose to move our session to the coffee shop instead. In the afternoon after finishing work, the storms had temporarily parted sufficiently to allow a run. Ended the day by hearing part of a recital of Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano, which was lovely, and featured exemplary ensemble work from the players.
A busier day scheduled today, but also with an opportunity to observe a coaching session for the Schuller bass quartet, which would be an enjoyable diversion. News via email concerning a possible job opportunity also requires some thought and a considered response.
Lenox Coffee, 7.09 a.m.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue – at least above 500 feet, and the fog that has Pittsfield socked in this morning. A little bit lighter here in Lenox, but the drive down was pretty dense at times. Cool temperatures are once again forecast; I’ve arrived at the viewpoint that the closer we get to August without seeing real summer heat, the easier the stay in the un-air-conditioned apartment will be. Compared to how it could be right now, not such a bad thing to be a bit on the cool side.
I had a fairly easy day yesterday, managing to get tunings done on two pianos. We were scheduled for a team meeting/class in the late morning, but we were booted from our scheduled space by of all things repair work on a harmonium. I wouldn’t have minded seeing that process, as I’m only vaguely aware of what a harmonium is, much less knowing how it works, but we chose to move our session to the coffee shop instead. In the afternoon after finishing work, the storms had temporarily parted sufficiently to allow a run. Ended the day by hearing part of a recital of Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano, which was lovely, and featured exemplary ensemble work from the players.
A busier day scheduled today, but also with an opportunity to observe a coaching session for the Schuller bass quartet, which would be an enjoyable diversion. News via email concerning a possible job opportunity also requires some thought and a considered response.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Muscle memory
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 37
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
I saw all of my new pianos yesterday, and managed to actually put my hands on all but two, just to make sure there wasn’t anything non-functional about them. Scheduled time on three of the most important and/or often used, and will hit two or three more of those today. I also was able to sit in on part of a rehearsal for the Gunther Schuller Quartet for Double-basses, which brought back memories: I played that piece back in 1989 with a quartet comprised of bassists from UMass. I had been playing the instrument for less than two years at that point, and really had no business trying to negotiate my way around that piece, but there I was anyway. It’s a very well-written work, and I learned a lot from the experience. The performance is this Sunday morning, as a part of the weekly chamber music concert; I’ll need to make a point of going to support the bass Fellows.
I hesitate to say this, but I may be starting to figure a few things out about my tuning. Yesterday I had the feeling that certain things were in my hands that haven’t really been there before; sort of like the feeling of having a piece of music “under your fingers” on the bass. Not that things moved any more quickly, necessarily, although that might have been the case as well, but more the sense of accuracy in the manipulation of tuning lever, wire, and pin. Of course, two of the pianos I tuned were very nice B’s, which doesn’t hurt the cause.
I also brought out the piano music V delivered to me over the weekend, and picked a handful of pieces to try to get together over the next few weeks. One that I had been struggling to play from memory turns out to be in a different key than I was remembering, which might explain why I wasn’t able to gain much ground from muscle memory – there wasn’t any! I’ve decided that having a small repertoire of short pieces at my disposal is a necessary tool as a technician. It gives a frame of reference for testing the action and regulation – the feel – of a piano, and it provides a set of musical cues by which I can judge the tuning as well.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, but more storms are forecast for the afternoon. I’ll run this evening if I can dodge the raindrops.
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
I saw all of my new pianos yesterday, and managed to actually put my hands on all but two, just to make sure there wasn’t anything non-functional about them. Scheduled time on three of the most important and/or often used, and will hit two or three more of those today. I also was able to sit in on part of a rehearsal for the Gunther Schuller Quartet for Double-basses, which brought back memories: I played that piece back in 1989 with a quartet comprised of bassists from UMass. I had been playing the instrument for less than two years at that point, and really had no business trying to negotiate my way around that piece, but there I was anyway. It’s a very well-written work, and I learned a lot from the experience. The performance is this Sunday morning, as a part of the weekly chamber music concert; I’ll need to make a point of going to support the bass Fellows.
I hesitate to say this, but I may be starting to figure a few things out about my tuning. Yesterday I had the feeling that certain things were in my hands that haven’t really been there before; sort of like the feeling of having a piece of music “under your fingers” on the bass. Not that things moved any more quickly, necessarily, although that might have been the case as well, but more the sense of accuracy in the manipulation of tuning lever, wire, and pin. Of course, two of the pianos I tuned were very nice B’s, which doesn’t hurt the cause.
I also brought out the piano music V delivered to me over the weekend, and picked a handful of pieces to try to get together over the next few weeks. One that I had been struggling to play from memory turns out to be in a different key than I was remembering, which might explain why I wasn’t able to gain much ground from muscle memory – there wasn’t any! I’ve decided that having a small repertoire of short pieces at my disposal is a necessary tool as a technician. It gives a frame of reference for testing the action and regulation – the feel – of a piano, and it provides a set of musical cues by which I can judge the tuning as well.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, but more storms are forecast for the afternoon. I’ll run this evening if I can dodge the raindrops.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Back to it
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 36
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
DIY holiday snaps in the Berkshires:
After a wonderful weekend with V, I’m back at the coffee shop, getting myself ready for the next segment of my Tanglewood experience. The weekend included music (Tchaikovsky Symphony #6 and Piano Concerto #1 on Friday, Diana Krall with orchestra and a great quartet on Saturday), an excellent hike on Friday, good meals, a bit of shopping, and lots of just walking around, enjoying each others’ company.
At the grounds, we’ll rotate piano assignments today, effective for the next three weeks. For me this means a bit of catching up, as I haven’t scheduled any specific time on my new group as of yet. I’ll try to hit at least one before rehearsals get going at ten, and then sit down with the week’s schedule and get myself organized. I’ll pass through the middle of the middle this week, but as of today at least, I’m not feeling any of the usual symptoms. It’s a beautiful morning, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and I’m ready to get at it again.
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
DIY holiday snaps in the Berkshires:
After a wonderful weekend with V, I’m back at the coffee shop, getting myself ready for the next segment of my Tanglewood experience. The weekend included music (Tchaikovsky Symphony #6 and Piano Concerto #1 on Friday, Diana Krall with orchestra and a great quartet on Saturday), an excellent hike on Friday, good meals, a bit of shopping, and lots of just walking around, enjoying each others’ company.
At the grounds, we’ll rotate piano assignments today, effective for the next three weeks. For me this means a bit of catching up, as I haven’t scheduled any specific time on my new group as of yet. I’ll try to hit at least one before rehearsals get going at ten, and then sit down with the week’s schedule and get myself organized. I’ll pass through the middle of the middle this week, but as of today at least, I’m not feeling any of the usual symptoms. It’s a beautiful morning, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and I’m ready to get at it again.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hooray! V is here!
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 33
Hotel Acceptable, Pittsfield, 6.48 a.m.
Taking advantage of the wi-fi at V’s hotel before we head in to the grounds, with a stop for coffee on the way. V arrived without too much incident, but not without delay; a computer malfunction at United in O’Hare caused the cancellation of many flights, including her original one into Albany, bumping her onto a later flight into Hartford. A slightly longer drive from here, but not an insurmountable hassle. We traveled back to the Berkshires too late to attend the evening concert, but had a nice relaxing dinner at the Olde Forge. Today is open after my morning work, so we’ll see what the weather has in store and plan from there.
Hotel Acceptable, Pittsfield, 6.48 a.m.
Taking advantage of the wi-fi at V’s hotel before we head in to the grounds, with a stop for coffee on the way. V arrived without too much incident, but not without delay; a computer malfunction at United in O’Hare caused the cancellation of many flights, including her original one into Albany, bumping her onto a later flight into Hartford. A slightly longer drive from here, but not an insurmountable hassle. We traveled back to the Berkshires too late to attend the evening concert, but had a nice relaxing dinner at the Olde Forge. Today is open after my morning work, so we’ll see what the weather has in store and plan from there.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Am I Experienced?
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 32
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
Excellent work with SC yesterday, both on my own tuning and with the team on the mysteries of the Steinway sostenuto mechanism. According to Steve, my tuning is right where it should be, given my experience (or lack thereof) and position: very good, and the improvements are those that can only happen with time and more tunings. The sostenuto work falls under the category of information that a fairly small percentage of technicians know, and that may come in handy in the field. The Steinway construction is somewhat unique, but it is said that if one can deal with theirs, one can deal with that of any other manufacturer. I’m still having a rough time visualizing the actual workings of the pieces – they’re pretty much hidden behind the rest of the the action when at work – but I feel like I have a much better handle on it now than I did before our session.
Had another very cool experience observing the piano selection process of one of the visiting artists yesterday. Often these selections happen in the cramped quarters of the piano room offstage, but certain artists are indulged with the opportunity of testing the pianos on stage. This was one such occasion, and a treat for me to hear the New York and Hamburg D’s side by side in a concert hall, played by a pro. I’m starting to be able to hear and articulate what I hear as differences and similarities, which is good, as I was actually asked for my opinion as a member of the “committee”. Ultimately, it comes down to what the artist feels under their hands, but I was pleased that the piano I heard as superior was the one chosen by the others as well.
A damp morning, but it can’t hamper my spirits – V arrives this afternoon for a long weekend! I’ll meet the team at Miss Hall’s to work on the grands there this morning, then after lunch check on my pair in the Manor House upstairs rehearsal room, to make sure they’re good to go for the remainder of the week. Then to the airport, and possibly back for a recital in Ozawa this evening. Tomorrow I’ll work in the morning, and then the rest of the weekend is ours. No specific plans outside of attending the Diana Krall concert at the Shed on Saturday night. We’re just going to see what the weather does, and what we feel like doing. Should be lovely.
Lenox Coffee, 7.05 a.m.
Excellent work with SC yesterday, both on my own tuning and with the team on the mysteries of the Steinway sostenuto mechanism. According to Steve, my tuning is right where it should be, given my experience (or lack thereof) and position: very good, and the improvements are those that can only happen with time and more tunings. The sostenuto work falls under the category of information that a fairly small percentage of technicians know, and that may come in handy in the field. The Steinway construction is somewhat unique, but it is said that if one can deal with theirs, one can deal with that of any other manufacturer. I’m still having a rough time visualizing the actual workings of the pieces – they’re pretty much hidden behind the rest of the the action when at work – but I feel like I have a much better handle on it now than I did before our session.
Had another very cool experience observing the piano selection process of one of the visiting artists yesterday. Often these selections happen in the cramped quarters of the piano room offstage, but certain artists are indulged with the opportunity of testing the pianos on stage. This was one such occasion, and a treat for me to hear the New York and Hamburg D’s side by side in a concert hall, played by a pro. I’m starting to be able to hear and articulate what I hear as differences and similarities, which is good, as I was actually asked for my opinion as a member of the “committee”. Ultimately, it comes down to what the artist feels under their hands, but I was pleased that the piano I heard as superior was the one chosen by the others as well.
A damp morning, but it can’t hamper my spirits – V arrives this afternoon for a long weekend! I’ll meet the team at Miss Hall’s to work on the grands there this morning, then after lunch check on my pair in the Manor House upstairs rehearsal room, to make sure they’re good to go for the remainder of the week. Then to the airport, and possibly back for a recital in Ozawa this evening. Tomorrow I’ll work in the morning, and then the rest of the weekend is ours. No specific plans outside of attending the Diana Krall concert at the Shed on Saturday night. We’re just going to see what the weather does, and what we feel like doing. Should be lovely.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
T-minus 33 hours and (not that I'm) counting...
Notes from the Berkshires, Day 31
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
A new month, but the same weather story. I’m starting to adjust, I think. This morning I “slept in” until almost 5.45, so a little later start than usual. Still managed an abbreviated sitting and arrived at the coffee shop on time for the morning jolt. Both baristas are starting to remember me and my drink order, after a month of showing up almost every morning.
Made what could possibly be my last trips (before the duty rotation) to the theatre and the rehearsal stage yesterday. Both are, for all intents and purposes, outdoor venues, but the pianos have stayed reasonably well in tune and functional. Also spent some time listening to the D’s in Ozawa Hall from the stage, as they were out for an artist’s selection process. There are significant differences between the two – one from the NY facility, the other from Hamburg – and while I can hear some of them, many of the more subtle distinctions still elude me. It’s a good workout for the ears, though.
Today I get on-on-one tuning work with SC, followed by a session on one of my pianos for the team on the maintenance of the sostenuto mechanism, and in the afternoon it’s my turn to sit in on an artist’s piano selection. And tonight when I talk to V on the phone, I can say "see you tomorrow" and mean it!
Lenox Coffee, 7.08 a.m.
A new month, but the same weather story. I’m starting to adjust, I think. This morning I “slept in” until almost 5.45, so a little later start than usual. Still managed an abbreviated sitting and arrived at the coffee shop on time for the morning jolt. Both baristas are starting to remember me and my drink order, after a month of showing up almost every morning.
Made what could possibly be my last trips (before the duty rotation) to the theatre and the rehearsal stage yesterday. Both are, for all intents and purposes, outdoor venues, but the pianos have stayed reasonably well in tune and functional. Also spent some time listening to the D’s in Ozawa Hall from the stage, as they were out for an artist’s selection process. There are significant differences between the two – one from the NY facility, the other from Hamburg – and while I can hear some of them, many of the more subtle distinctions still elude me. It’s a good workout for the ears, though.
Today I get on-on-one tuning work with SC, followed by a session on one of my pianos for the team on the maintenance of the sostenuto mechanism, and in the afternoon it’s my turn to sit in on an artist’s piano selection. And tonight when I talk to V on the phone, I can say "see you tomorrow" and mean it!
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