I’m no Beethoven, but I like it! (published April 7, 2024 Mpls Star Tribune) Letter of the day

It was disheartening to read Richard Chin’s article in last Sunday’s paper, “Requiem for the piano”, March 31. I grew up playing the piano (upon my parent’s insistence). For ten years I would walk a half mile through rain, sleet and snow all the way to Mrs. Henderson’s house every Saturday morning for my piano lessons. Sadly, I didn’t practice much but stuck with it and played the piano into adulthood. I also paid for piano lessons for my own kids, but unfortunately they weren’t all that interested. So I picked it up again and I am blown away by how playing difficult musical pieces are exceptional for the brain! I am proud of being able to pound out Prelude in C-sharp Minor by Rachmaninoff along with switching to the slow, melodic and haunting pace of Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. I haven’t mastered the extremely difficult second movement like my father has however. Nevertheless, my fingers still get a work out.

As a teenager I composed little snippets of musical pieces that my parents wanted me write down. Thank goodness I followed through with their request because to this day I play those snippets whenever I need a boost.

Through the years I’ve gained an appreciation for a variety of classical music and Minnesota Public Radio always gets me through the day.

On another note, I hear that almost half of the Chinese people own a piano. Good for them! They are also determinately nipping at our heels economically. Perhaps it is because they appreciate the art, the history, the intellectual stimulation and the pure pleasure of mastering a piece music on the piano.

Folks, I highly recommend hanging on to your piano! Play a little tune just for ‘ol time sake.