Saying Goodbye

Packed up and ready to ship out! Man, this is a bit bittersweet. I played it one last time last night - Fantasy Impromptu by Chopin, a piece I attempted to learn in high-school and didn't actually master until many years later. 

That piece means a lot to me. It was probably my Mom's favorite piece. I loved it too but wasn't quite good enough to master it as a teenager. The middle section, though, I could play well and was, and still is, one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever played. It was consoling and comforting to play and hear, during a time when it was much needed. 

This piano, a Baldwin baby grand, has been with me for most of my life - 24 years. I remember looking for a new piano when I was 14. My new piano teacher at the time was definitely pushing me towards more difficult and demanding classical pieces and encouraged me to upgrade from the upright we had at home. 

I tried out a few pianos at stores - Kawais, Samicks, etc. but none of them connected with me. We found a private seller who was selling this Baldwin. We went to the house and I played it for a little bit but not too long. It's a little weird playing a piano with a handful of people just standing around watching you. 

The Baldwin was different than the rest though. It had a lot of character and life in it. I loved the bass - rich, full, it had attitude. The piano had a lot of versatility to play both classical and rock music which was what I was really interested in. Plus I'd just discovered Ben Folds and found out he played Baldwins. 

We left and that night I knew that was the one. We (well, my parents) made an offer and bought it for $7,100.

I don't remember the first time I played it in my home, but I do remember loving it and feeling "OK, time to take music more seriously." (This also led to me selling nearly all of my NES games later that summer, a decision I would very much regret.)

I've played so many hours on this piano. So, many pieces, improvised, composed nearly all of my songs on this guy. I can't even guess the countless times I would turn and sit and play this piano in times of struggle. It has brought me many many years of joy, happiness and solace. I've loved it very much, and I'm sad to say goodbye. 

I'm confident the new owners will get much joy out of this life-giving instrument. I do know them; so hopefully I can visit someday and see how it's doing. :)

But for now it's goodbye. Thank you for all you've given me. ❤️