Episode 05: Electronic Mate
“In the pro-acoustic camp, you’re likely to hear utterances like “Nothing can beat the live instrument”. And it’s true that while playing on acoustic piano, you might argue that you experience the “real” sound. The sound that’s physically produced by the hammer that makes the string vibrate with each keystroke.”
In the second part of this episode, I will play a selection of Preludes op. 28 by Frederic Chopin. What's different about this recording from all the others is that it is played on an electronic instrument. And given the fiery debates this choice might elicit among the piano public, I should say a few words first.
In the pro-acoustic camp, you're likely to hear utterances like "Nothing can beat the live instrument". And it's true that while playing on acoustic piano, you might argue that you experience the "real" sound. The sound that's physically produced by the hammer that makes the string vibrate with each keystroke. Moreover, the delicate pressure on the pedal translates into a richness of the echo, noises and colour included. I cannot deny that an electronic piano won't catch you by surprise by aliquots. Similarly, you will never find such a variety among distinctive instruments in the electronic realm. If I was to recommend a piano to a beginning pianist and especially to young children, I'd clearly advise them to choose a "live" instrument. Whatever the quality. Because the first date with a piano, possibly your partner for a long time to come, should be a meeting between you and the original acoustic mechanism.
On the other hand, I refuse to be too critical about its electronic counterpart. After all, technical progress is rushing unstoppably forward, so who am I to stop it, especially since it is the electric piano that has become such a useful companion of mine.
First of all, playing with headphones is a great advantage – equally appreciated by your sensitive neighbours and you, particularly when you suddenly feel a huge desire to play at 2 AM.
Secondly, recording becomes as easy as inserting an USB stick. With one click, you open a whole new dimension of possibilities. One of them is a quite cool tip for your new favourite way of practicing. Record only your left hand, and while listening to it in your headphones play along only with your right hand. Then the other way round. You can also record both hands and play just the first beat times along with the record. And what if you tried to record everything except for the main melody? Get creative!
Last but not least, you can connect your instrument to any other appliance like MIDI keyboard for creating electronic music. I often stream music directly to my ears while playing. Why? Well, if the music of your choice sounds from the same speaker as your piano, you suddenly feel as if you were a band member performing at a gig! It’s really good way to practise improvisation, plus with virtually any song you like.
The electronic piano has become my go-to instrument for the time being. Yes, I've spent quite a substantial time pondering on whether to buy an old acoustic piano instead. Still, when I consider its reasonable pricing coupled with high quality, the electronic version suits my requirements quite well. And, if I was to prepare for big recitals practicing just up-right piano, I would be definitely way less physically ready for them.