Category: satire

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Recording on a SLEEPER Dream Piano

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

On a whim, I had decided to make an hour long trip to Visalia about 50 miles south of Fresno to sniff out the stock over at the “Piano Gallery.” (This was before it went out of business) A medium size establishment in an upscale shopping mall, it was owned by “Ginnadiy Merkerin,” a Russian… Continue reading Recording on a SLEEPER Dream Piano

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Piano Tuner, York on Mice, Rats, Moths and Cats (Video, part 2)

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

In this part two follow-up to York's World War II Memoir, the seasoned piano tuner relaxes into his emblematic animated conversation, telling the world how to eradicate mice, rats, and moths from pianos. Oldsters watching better have a fresh pair of Depends, because York lets loose with some mighty over the top, funny lines. Throw… Continue reading Piano Tuner, York on Mice, Rats, Moths and Cats (Video, part 2)

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Mr. York in his own voice, a Musical WW II Memoir

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

Without giving away the content of this video before it is seen, suffice it to say that the viewer will long remember this tender World War II story as recounted by 84 year old, Connell York, piano tuner, in his own words, and through a memorable song. Enjoy! Kirsten Productions Aviva Kirsten, Director and Video… Continue reading Mr. York in his own voice, a Musical WW II Memoir

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Fujie Finds her Dream piano, but Buyer Beware!

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

Fujie's Suzuki Digital piano, purchased at Costco, predated her starting lessons with me. Prior to entering my sanctuary with its two Steinways and wall-to-wall, piano emblem nick knacks, she had been enrolled at Fresno State's Group classes. Seated at her electronic station with a full deck of 88s mounted on particle board platforms, among rows… Continue reading Fujie Finds her Dream piano, but Buyer Beware!

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A Battle of two Steinways, a Yamaha, and a spoiler Petrof

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

A few years ago, I journeyed to the local Fresno piano dealership to make retail price comparisons with used pianos sold in the private party marketplace. The store, located on Ashlan and Fresno Street had an impressive array of Steinways, Boston and Essex pianos, as well as Yamaha studio upright models and other brands. An early… Continue reading A Battle of two Steinways, a Yamaha, and a spoiler Petrof

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Did the Ghost of Fritz ever sell?

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

I couldn't resist foraging through my e-mail files for an update on the Ghost of Fritz, whether it sold, was put out to pasture, or dumped, dismembered and forgotten. To my surprise, I located this communication feeding my appetite for a few chuckles: From: pharmacutest To:  Shirley Kirsten Hi Shirley, "No, I haven't sold the… Continue reading Did the Ghost of Fritz ever sell?

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The Ghost of Fritz? Was I Dreaming?

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

I had to pinch myself when I discovered a Craig’s List ad that featured “an antique baby grand piano selling for $1500.” Staring at me was a larger-than-life “Johann Fritz” that seemed to closely resemble the heart-breaker with the same surname formerly housed at a local American Cancer Society Discovery thrift store! It looked like… Continue reading The Ghost of Fritz? Was I Dreaming?

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The Fritz Piano of Vienna: A Romantic Era Reborn

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

On a wind swept day in March, while I was shopping in a busy Northwest Fresno plaza, I spotted a curvaceous baby grand piano through the open door of the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. Its sunbathed, feminine profile and polished wood exterior drew me to it with the force of a magnet. Decades before, I… Continue reading The Fritz Piano of Vienna: A Romantic Era Reborn

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Is the Acoustic Piano Culture at Risk?

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

I'm worried. I drove over to Fresno Piano on Ashlan this afternoon after my return from the Bay area. With an instant camera tucked in my pocket, I would prove my point that acoustic pianos were on their way out and digitals were fast taking over the marketplace. Even before I reached my destination, I… Continue reading Is the Acoustic Piano Culture at Risk?

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A High Stakes Piano Finding Adventure, or was it a Sopranos TV episode?

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

A woman named “Sharon Cooper," phoned me one Saturday morning about my helping her select a console size piano in a modest price range. She had heard about my piano finding activity from a friend. Inquisitive and intelligent, with an animated personality, she had an ardent curiosity about the whole process of finding a suitable… Continue reading A High Stakes Piano Finding Adventure, or was it a Sopranos TV episode?