Murray Weinstock & Lucia // Jun 25, 2010 at 8:53 am
My first night of Play Me, I'm Yours was beautiful on the 70th Street pier from sunset on into the night.Strangers gathered around the two pianos and a very young boy was sitting at the piano playing the opening of John Lennon's "Imagine." He allowed me to take over when I asked him if he wanted to hear what happens next! After I started playing a very cool teenager came over with lyrics on a hand-held device and sang a glorious version of the song, I joined in harmony and the first night's magic proceeded from there.
I sang Dr John's "Such a Night" and Devora Segall took over the piano and sang a few songs. (I wish I could Tie My Shoes!) Then one of the bystanders turned out to be a great pianist named Bobby Hirschhorn, who played some very cool stuff. Great nuance and style! He joined me on my mash-up of the waltz from Der Rosenkavalier and the tuning discrepancy of our two pianos at Pier 70 made this a John Cage moment!
Siobhan Armstrong // Jun 24, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Last night I was out riding my bike along the Hudson at around 7:30 when I walked out on the pier and was totally surprised to see two pianos there, and a little boy and girl playing on each one. We played some duets, and then as they disbanded I began to play, and people gathered round. I played Passacaglia by Handel, which I've been practising a lot but have never performed for anyone, and when I finished and the crowd clapped it was a sparkling moment. Several people came up to talk to me, I talked to several after that, one guy - Bobby - played a waltz, I noticed a couple dancing, and all this with the lights on the GW as the backdrop. I helped put the piano to bed and head home at 10:20. Thank you Sing for Hope!
http://onemagicalmomentperday.blogspot.com/2010_06_22_archive.html
I sang Dr John's "Such a Night" and Devora Segall took over the piano and sang a few songs. (I wish I could Tie My Shoes!) Then one of the bystanders turned out to be a great pianist named Bobby Hirschhorn, who played some very cool stuff. Great nuance and style! He joined me on my mash-up of the waltz from Der Rosenkavalier and the tuning discrepancy of our two pianos at Pier 70 made this a John Cage moment!