Poetical Musings on Pianos, Music & Life: Vol. I

ABOUT THE POETRY ANTHOLOGY:

In great joy, excitement, and curiosity Ann describes a newly rediscovered world of sound and music after she retired from busy careers in trial law and a fashion corset business. Seeking solace during the pandemic lockdown and in her late 70s, one day she noticed her spinet piano sitting untouched since graduation from high school, and decided to take lessons again. She began lessons by reviewing elementary piano books and a year later the thought struck her to "borrow" a friendly neighbor's grand piano--to play at least once in her life--in exchange for a gourmet home-cooked dinner. No less than two weeks after playing her neighbor's gorgeous semi-concert grand Bosendorfer, Ann decided she wanted her own grand piano and went on an arduous ten-month search for The Duchess, a Golden Age 1928 Steinway Model M parlor grand that she had completely rebuilt and refinished.

In whimsical, sometimes hilarious, and often tender poetry she describes her search for her beloved piano, discusses her favorite Romantic era compositions and talented, sometimes eccentric, pianists, and shares her struggles to relearn piano technique. She imparts positive life-affirming wisdom and encouragement to pursue one's creative dreams and musical passions at any age, and to incorporate music in its myriad iterations into life. Her message rings clear that it's never too late to learn to play an instrument, make new musical friends, and open one's heart to the tender feelings of music, which French novelist Marcel Proust aptly called "a means of communication between souls."