Bach and Beyond: New Yorkers Plunk on Public Pianos
by Al Jones
1010WINS
June 21, 2010
New York (AP/ 1010 WINS) — Amid an urban orchestra of honking cabs, sirens and jackhammers, piano lovers plinked out tunes from Bach’s “Minuet in G” to Elton John’s “Rocket Man” on the first day dozens of public pianos were placed at New York City landmarks and parks for a public art project.
In bustling Times Square, on a traffic triangle in the East Village and at a park with the Statue of Liberty in the background, players flocked to the 60 pianos Monday as audiences applauded from taxicabs and sidewalks.
“This is the first time I’ve ever touched a piano,” said Lynette Morris, a 52-year-old hospital maintenance worker from the Bronx. She had just sat down at one of the instruments in the East Village, situated at the top of subway stairs.
“I can’t play but I’m going to try,” Morris said.
Moments later, as construction trucks beeped and traffic roared by, a more experienced player got his chance on the bench. New Yorkers, who don’t stop for much, halted in their tracks to listen as he ran through classics like Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy,” otherwise known as the “Peanuts” theme.
During his final number, “Let It Be” by the Beatles, a guy manning a nearby coffee cart stuck his head out and belted out part of the chorus. Continue reading “Luke Jerram, Black & White All Over”
