By George Smith

Music is a lifetime of mental and physical fulfillment. In my last article, I promised a story of my travels to Vienna, Austria, and my personal commitment to a world-renowned piano that is created in Vienna. My love for the famed Bosendorfer piano began in 1966 when I heard the magnificent sounds for the first time. I experienced tears of joy and vowed right then that one day I would own a Bosendorfer. I started making plans to go to the Bosendorfer factory in Vienna.

Perhaps you’ve not heard of this type of prestigious piano. It is a sound above all other pianos. My inspiration comes when I sit at the Bosendorfer concert grand in my living room.

The piano factory was founded on July 25, 1828, when Ignaz Bosendorfer officially registered as piano constructor in Vienna. Born in 1774 the son of a carpenter, he had studied at the academy of fine arts in Vienna. Due to his great talents both as musician and technician, his father sent him to piano constructor Joseph Brodmann, where Ignaz became an apprentice at the age of 19.

In its early stages, Ignaz’s company quickly became known for its innovative spirit and technical perfectionism. Soon after the company was founded, a musician by the name of Franz Liszt discovered the strength of the Bosnedorfer. Liszt was known for destroying fragile instruments. On the robust Bosendorfer grand, with its wonderful sound, was able to stand up to Liszt’s rather furious virtuosity and thus became the perfect partner for Liszt. In 1870, he wrote enthusiastically to Bosendorfer: "I am able to praise your pianos with absolute sincerity and without bias. Fortunately the reputation of your instruments is so glittering and strong that it would be hard to improve!"

In 1971, my family and I stepped off a charter 747 into a dream so vast that I couldn’t in my wildest dreams comprehend the magnitude of inspiration and compelling practice time that the piano would bring forth in our living room. When we command excellence, it will happen. Determination is the key.

When I perform a concert, my preparation has usually been done years before. I have worked the pieces and memorized many years earlier. Few realize what vigilance is necessary to keep up even a small number of pieces that shall always be at one’s command. In art as in life, one’s current acquisitions are built on what has been previously attained. A strengthening of the foundation results in the great solidity and beauty of the ever-growing structure.

Parents, please don’t expect your children to discipline themselves. Discipline is a matter of habit and must be cultivated. Very few young pupils have wills strong enough to direct themselves. They need continuous reminders from you. They will in time attain self-control but intelligent parental assistance is always valuable.

I started out on an upright player piano that my grandfather bought for my mother in 1918 for $750 (brand new) and I now have the world’s most prestigious piano, and I give thanks each and every day. Folks, we are so blessed! Please take advantage of every opportunity to better yourself and each member of your family. I’m now in my 70th year and it only gets better, by George!

"There is no room for forced labor in music; love of one’s work is of utmost importance." Vladimir Horowitz