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Classical Music

In reply to the discussion: Geminiani [View all]

usonian

(17,246 posts)
5. Dunno about what performers use.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 04:07 AM
Feb 6

I try to read the names on grand pianos, but unless they are emblazoned on the side (I think that Bösendorfer does this) (1) they are hard to see, and electronic keyboards are even harder to identify (unless you're very familiar with them)

Very many look very similar to the old Roland, a keyboard on an "X" frame or on speaker stands.

The Clavinovas that I looked at are all upright or grand models. I lucked on a used one, since the ancient Roland breaks now and then (plastic levers instead of wood, which never seems to break in grands and uprights) so I got a (relaatively) newer Clavinova. It has organ and harpsichord voices, which open up even more repertoire (still way behind on the old pieces). Pieces that I tried are the amazing riff (solo) from Brandenburg Concerto 5, and the familiar Toccata and Fugue in d minor from Bach. (organ), Sorry, Maestro Stokowski, I like the organ sound better than the symphony transcription. But I have unusual preferences.

Many orchestral pieces were originally piano two hands or four hands. Your choice may vary. And vice-versa, I find piano versions of orchestral pieces, some of which are quite fun. In the old days, these were very popular, since there were no recordings or radio, and a piano reduction was how you heard orchestral music at home. There are reductions of Brahms symphonies, which in part, I really like. You know one of them.


I did a search on Clavinovas and they all look incredibly digital, controllable via iPads. I got a CLP-130E which is entirely run by knobs and switches and sliders. Fine by me. If I want anything complex, I can use the MIDI interface. Simple is beautiful. The music is more important to me than the electronics. I found out by looking at videos that every performer seems to have longer fingers than I do. Oh well, I take a few shortcuts.

(1) Live and learn. Bösendorfer is an Austrian piano manufacturer and, since 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation. (Wikipedia)

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Geminiani [View all] sprinkleeninow Feb 5 OP
I met Gemignani usonian Feb 6 #1
You make a funny! I could go for sum o dat apizza! sprinkleeninow Feb 6 #2
Life is good here. usonian Feb 6 #3
I'm deaf in one ear n caint hear out t'other, but I have sprinkleeninow Feb 6 #4
Dunno about what performers use. usonian Feb 6 #5
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