It is a truism in music in general that the better the instrument, the better you play. Actually that’s not quite correct … the better the instrument, the better you are allowed to play. Quite often the instrument is the limiting factor – it is rather difficult to play Chopin on a toy piano, to quote a rather extreme example. I’ve played a number of instruments during my life, and each time I’ve upgraded the instrument I’ve been able to play better. But, as in everything, there is a downside.
The Stuart piano, let me assure everyone, is not a toy. It has a responsiveness, tone, clarity and resonance to match and, in my and many other people’s views, exceed any piano currently on the market. But many people who have played the instrument are intimidated by it. One of my students when she first sat down in front of it was scared even to touch it. I quickly assured her that, being built mainly of wood, the piano was in fact peaceful and vegetarian and not in the least aggressive and carnivorous, and therefore her fingers were indeed quite safe from premature amputation.
Why intimidated? The reason in the main is quite understandable. The piano is so good, so clear, so responsive etc etc that it amplifies everything I do wrong. I can record a piece on my (now rather old) upright piano and within the limits of the tone and action I can be happy with the outcome. I play the same piece on the Stuart, and the recording sounds uneven and lumpy. It’s not the piano, it’s me, full stop.
I’m not nearly good enough on this instrument, yet …