AN INDIE IS:
Newly restored rare grand piano centrepiece of BU presentation and concert
Nearly a year of handcrafted restoration went into this rare 1905 Blüthner Rosewood Grand Piano. photo: Brandon University
On Tuesday, August 9, an authentically-restored, century-old grand piano with an intriguing local story will be featured onstage at Brandon University.
This rare Blüthner grand piano, made of exotic Rosewood, was built in Leipzig, Germany in 1905.
Blüthner pianos, known for their singing-tone, featured a mysterious, patented over-string that adds a unique silvery-quality to the sound.
How this exotic European musical instrument actually ended up in Manitoba is a fascinating story in itself, to be revealed on this special evening.
Over the past year, this instrument has undergone extensive renovations, including replacement of the piano’s delicate soundboard, which is considered the heart of the piano.
“The original soundboard was so badly-cracked, reusing it simply wasn’t an option,” says Mark Cramer, Brandon University’s resident piano technician, who directed the restoration.
“The art of restoring pianos of this vintage, is to have a guiding-vision of the instrument’s original tone and touch, so that we can hear music today, the way it would have sounded over a century ago.”
Today’s Throwback
King Edward Hotel
During Brandon’s early history, Pacific Avenue was one of the city’s busiest streets.
One of the many buildings that existed on the street was the King Edward Hotel that stood at 916 Pacific Avenue.
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The date of construction and the name of the building’s original occupant are unknown.
The building became the King Edward Hotel as early as 1901.
After the hotel was closed in 1919, the building was purchased by W.E. Ward Auto Livery, which was open until 1931.
From 1933 to 1941, the building sat vacant.
It was demolished in approximately 1942.
Source: Lawrence Stuckey collection (1-2002.3.1DC1), S.J. McKee Archives, Brandon University
photo courtesy of Heritage Brandon
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How to sit fit at your keyboard and monitor.
Jordan Ludwig, owner, Brandon Business Interiors
Here are some tips on positioning courtesy of Allseating:
The key to keying
Using a keyboard tray to help prevent wrist pain and repetitive strain injuries.
While keying, keep your arms at right angles (aim for 90 degrees) and close to your body.
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Your wrists should be straight so you don’t see any wrinkles.
Keep your mouse close to the keyboard – preferably on a mousing platform – to minimize reaching.
Monitoring your posture
Your monitor height keeps your back straight and your head up, which is crucial to avoiding neck strain and injuries.
Align your monitor so it’s centered between your shoulder blades and positioned about an arm’s length away from your face.
The height should be so that the top line of text you’re reviewing is at or just below eye level.
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