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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 parents’ insistence). For 10 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 I 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 is 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 workout.
As a teenager, I composed little snippets of musical pieces that my parents wanted me to 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 many people in China 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 of music on the piano.
Folks, I highly recommend hanging on to your piano! Play a little tune just for old time’s sake.
Sharon E. Carlson, Andover