Krystian Zimerman, with whom I frequently worked as piano tuner-technician and purveyor of
touring Hamburg Steinway Model D-274 Grand Pianos, was and will always remain one of my
favorite artists …especially in the context of our roles together.
In conversation about another Legendary Lifetime Pro Piano Artist, only recently was I
described as having had these exceptional experiences to tour in the shadow of such immortal
pianists. I defer with pure gratitude and humility to be overshadowed by such brilliant human
beings.
So it was with Maestro Zimerman who always operates mentally, emotionally, physically and
musically at the very highest vibrational frequency a human brain creates. Sure my purpose is
to enhance the brilliance of the people featured in these blogs, but if not for them in my life of
82 years, I would have never associated with the routinely elevated intellect and brilliance they
each posit.
Mr. Zimerman is reputed to be a piano technician & tuner well equipped to take care of his own
concert piano or even having his own extra actions placed in pianos provided from Pro Piano,
as an example. In my particular experiences with him, neither were true partially because he
trusted me and my pianos but also because the distances covered in a USA touring scenario
are vast, time consuming, often night after night, and downright exhausting. Voila, important
Pro Piano Staples come to mind …great pianos, little sleep, lots of energy, bright lights and big
pay checks.
One tour, in Cleveland at Severance and Mechanics Halls for DG recordings with Pierre Boulez,
and The Cleveland Orchestra, DG itself then and now, the world’s top classical label, we were
working away …him playing the Pro Piano, and me either tuning, voicing and/or touching-it-up
every time he left for playbacks or short breaks, he smilingly commented (about its unisons)
“They’re getting cleaner and cleaner” …which I could take flatteringly as in, “Wow, sounding
greater and greater,” or gulp …”finally sounding good!” Of course I’m still convinced it was a
compliment.
There will be many more blog entries about him, but for now I cannot factually or precisely
recall all my many experiences with him, but must loudly attest Maestro Krystian Zimerman b. December 5, 1956 in Zabrze, Poland, is
Herewith Declared Once And for All Time, A Legendary Lifetime Pro Piano Artist!!