The Grandest Piano (Part I)

“Whidbey Island in Washington State is the new home of a Steinway Grand Piano with a prominent history. In the first of two segments, Steve Trafton tells the story of this instrument, which was a preferred choice of Horowitz, Rubenstein, and Cliburn, among many others. Built in 1965, it was considered one of the Steinway Brothers’ finest accomplishments. So much so that signatures of its performers adorn the inside plate of the piano. Vladimir Horowitz even honored the piano by giving it a special name: “Volodya”.

This introduction is followed by a concert segment at Trafton’s home on Whidbey Island featuring Nozomi Khudyev on piano and Efe Baltacigil on cello. Both are renowned musicians in their own right and often appear in the island’s concert series.

Part II of this historical tribute to Volodya (see the future blog entry) tells of the two different keyboard “actions” or sounds that came with this piano. Nozomi Khudyev will then demonstrate the piano and talk about those differences.”