Synopsis:
A Story About a Piano Technician's Experiences with People and Their Pianos by Marinus van Prattenburg.
Paperback 240 Pages. Price: US $ 19.95
Publisher: PublishAmerica, Baltimore, USA.
ISBN 1-4137-8728-2
This book can be ordered from Barnes and Noble, Amazon or directly from the publisher's bookstore at www.publishamerica.com
Synopsis:
The writer of this book is a piano technician who has
dealt throughout his lengthy career with people from all walks of life. Among
those were some famous pianists, some eccentric customers, but also many
delightful people, and some who were not.
He touches upon various kinds of pianos from the late eighteenth century to the present day, and takes the reader into the homes of his customers, showing how interesting people and their pianos really are.
The first chapter deals with the writer as a young boy in his native country, The Netherlands. In it, he talks about how the destruction of his father’s mandolin indirectly led him to become a piano technician.
From there the story goes then from his shop into the homes of his customers. It’s a colorful journey, full of interesting characters and situations. The reader will discover that pianos are as fascinating as the people who own them. Each one is unique.
He shares the stories of how he was consulted by customers who, fearing possible embarrassment and rejection from family and friends, took him into their confidence and asked how to deal with problems in their lives.
One doesn’t need to be a pianist to enjoy this story of “People and Pianos”. One non-pianist proof reader commented: “Very captivating reading”.
Another: “What a wonderful stories and experiences! What a very interesting and fulfilling job you have”. Still another: “I read some chapters again, just to relive the enjoyment”.
The last four of the twenty four chapters are devoted to finding a good piano teacher, a good piano technician, and a suitable used or new piano.
Finally, the last chapter gives information about how ownership of an antique piano or copy thereof can benefit the reader who owns a contemporary instrument.
This book is for, and about, people in different walks of life.
The
book can also be ordered in any bookstore worldwide using catalogue number, ISBN
1-4137-8728-2.