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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
Everything about this video seemed staged to me. Cute... but fake and staged. A little internet research (of the form searching for "chicago magic piano") reveals that popular info-sharing site reddit has been all over debunking this, including posting a seemingly-legit Amtrak request for actors! Oh well...
Everything about this video seemed staged to me. Cute... but fake and staged. A little internet research (of the form searching for "chicago magic piano") reveals that popular info-sharing site reddit has been all over debunking this, including posting a seemingly-legit Amtrak request for actors! Oh well...
I agree it does see staged, but it was fun to watch anyway.
I'm going to guess >not staged<. Hidden pianist on a digital keyboard with headphones, a camera, a lot of talent and a good sense of humor. That and a lot of editing.
1999 Petrof 125-111 (upright) Casio Privia PX-330
Currently working on: Chopin Etude op 25 #2 and op 10 #5 Schubert Op 90 #2, #3 Playing by ear and "filling out" pop tunes
My guess is partially staged. The guy dancing and the cute old guy who just happened to have a harmonica handy seem too convenient. Also, the guy on the phone seemed silly - it would have been very easy just to walk away, there was no reason for him to stand there and be bothered (much less shout at the piano.)
But the rest makes sense, and I wish they'd show some more realistic stuff. It could easily be set up using an Internet MIDI connection with a Disklavier - just have someone in a room with a webcam and connection over wi-fi who can improvise fairly well play a connected instrument.
"If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him." (John Holt)
If the video was mostly or all staged it loses most of its humor for me. If someone was improvising the music in another room and most or all of the skits were not staged, I think it's much funnier.
I'm going to guess >not staged<. Hidden pianist on a digital keyboard with headphones, a camera, a lot of talent and a good sense of humor. That and a lot of editing.
I think that explains it best.
Originally Posted by Minnesota Marty
It doesn't matter if it's staged or not. It is still in a public space and is a random act of music. People enjoy it!
Marty's right. It's the holiday season folks. Relax and enjoy it.
Yes maybe partially staged. But I'm sure plenty of chances come around if you have an improvisor remotely controlling the piano and who can hear and see the people around the piano.
My guess is the mouth organ is not staged. These are small and convenient to carry with you.
My doubts are more with the guy that starts dancing. Usually adults don't start dancing just when they hear music. And maybe santa at the end is staged.
The guy with the mobile is weird yes Why stand so close to a noisy piano when trying to talk. I don't believe they would stage a bad act like this.
ok so maybe a guy is connected but it looks like the keys are actually pressing themselves. look at the woman in the dark navy coat starting at 3 minutes. you'll see keys pressing in the treble, alongside her. some clever tech is going on as well.
brilliant, lovely idea no matter what. and my take is that these all were innocent bystanders, but some of them are hams.
Last edited by toyboy; 12/17/1301:54 PM.
"Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense." - Gertrude Stein
If the video was mostly or all staged it loses most of its humor for me. If someone was improvising the music in another room and most or all of the skits were not staged, I think it's much funnier.
Why stand so close to a noisy piano when trying to talk. I don't believe they would stage a bad act like this.![[Linked Image]](https://www.pianoworld.com/Uploads/files/RedDotMedalSmall.jpg)
