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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
Alice Herz-Sommer is playing her piano music somewhere else now. Sorry to see her pass, but happy to have known her, even if it was just through the power of technology.
From her family...
"On behalf of Alice’s family, we thank everyone for all the words of affection and admiration rightly attributed to her. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Much is being written and broadcast, but not from many who truly knew Alice. The only fitting tribute to her is the film she loved the most, “Everything Is A Present”. Christopher Nupen was the one film maker who actually knew her well and who shared the same passion and understanding for music as she did. Most importantly, it was the only film she asked to watch again and again until her last days. So it is only appropriate we share with everyone what she loved most.
Sincerely, Alice Sommer's family
And this documentary (currently up for an Oscar): The Lady in Number 6
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
Dear Alice, I was saddened to hear of your passing. Thank you for sharing your wise words and love of music. I have learned a lot from you and will continue to do so. You are a lovely, lovely soul.
Frank: Thanks for posting this. I remember the news of her a few years ago and our discussions of her. I hadn't known of the current film, which I would love to see. Remarkable lady, great story. And oh -- I like her choices of repertoire.
I can think of no better musical epitaph for this wonderful lady than that heartfelt Schubert Impromptu that she played at the end of the "Everything Is a Present" video.
When we get wrapped up in the craziness of our every day lives, we can learn a lot from her. If I can achieve even half of her spirit and optimism in life, I will be a happy person!!
Shigeru Kawai SK6 (as of 10/22/12!!) Ivers and Pond upright MTNA, CAPMT
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
It really amazes me how people live to be this old. I'd say when you start getting into your 80s is when most people can potentially go at any moment. And yet, people like Alice beat it by 30 years. One recent super-centenarian made it to 122 I believe. I'm not even 22 yet! Then stack 100 years on that. Blows my mind.
