Duet playing

"Duet playing provides valuable experience developing a sense of rhythm."  This sentence is in the Wesley Schaum's Tunes for Two Book Two, that I played when I was about 10 years old so, circa 1965.  I was involved in the massive piano recital, sponsored by the Grinnell Brothers Music House, which consisted of about 100 pianos, with two children on each of them, playing two duet numbers.

Grinnell Brothers in Detroit, was one of the prime places to purchase a piano.  The Grinnell Brother's Music House was located on the main thoroughfare of down town Detroit, Woodward Avenue.  Started in 1908 the Grinnell Building was designed by Albert Kahn.  The Grinnell Brothers started in the business of selling sewing machines and quickly moved to the sale of musical instruments including organs and pianos.  In looking back, Grinnell pianos were available at a reasonable price, and probably the piano an average family would purchase if they couldn't afford a Steinway.

My grade school piano teacher Madonna Moffat decided that her students would participate in this grand duet "play-in"  I remember going to rehearsals somewhere in downtown Detroit, along with my partner, who's name escapes me now. I think she may have been a Lisa.   In reviewing the actual duet music for My Wild Irish Rose and You're A Grand Old Flag, I marvel at how simple they look now.  However, at the time the thought or concept of the duet frightened me.  As I have mentioned in prior posts, I am rhythmically challenged, and these duet pieces tested my ability to play with another person with correct rhythm.

I liken this experience to Charlie Brown trying to kick the football, held by Lucy, and my response being an aaaaargh!.  Playing the piano is often a singular activity, so duets force you to collaborate with another pianist, and test your ability to give something of yourself to make beautiful music. That sounds noble doesn't it?  It also tests your ability to be calm, take on a challenge and grow from meeting that challenge.

I look back at my Tunes for Two book now.  The cover is gone.  However my 10 year old writing is all over the inside page.  I was seated at Piano #30 and I even drew a humorous picture of the Mr. Smith, the conductor who controlled the massive piano duet demonstration.  I know my parents went and they made my two brothers attend the recital as well.  I am sure my brothers were annoyed that they had to take time out of a busy Sunday to attend this event.

However, what I did learn from this musical moment was one important thing, number your measures in ensemble playing so you can refer back to a spot where you played something incorrectly.  I also learned the meaning of rests in my part, in relationship to my partner's part.  I also learned that when notes are above or below the staff, and you figure out what the notes are, you should write them in the score.  And always, always write them in pencil

My only regret, is that I didn't get these duets out when my children Sarah and Michael were little.  We could have made some incredible music together.  There will be blogs about my children's musical journeys, but I leave that to a later moment.

And as only an adult can conclude, I eventually learned that the grand duet piano recital was actually a way for Grinnell Brothers Music House to sell their pianos after the large recital was over.  At the time I didn't see it as a business proposition.  I remember I had to wear a white dress, and my mother's friend made it for me.  It was the first time I had a "Jacqueline Kennedy" sheath.  It was very Parisienne with pearl buttons, and I had my gold clown pin on the lapel.  I also remember how much time my mom gave to me, so I could do this recital.  My mother was always big on promoting music throughout my life.  Actually both my Mom and Dad placed a great priority on music, in all of its forms.  That is a blog post for another day as well.

Duets can change the way you play for the better!!!  You simply have to have the courage, to give part of your self to the music.