New York Works: Carnegie Hall's Piano Tuner
Monday, May 30, 2011 - 12:00 AM
As piano tuner for Steinway & Sons, Ismael Cunha's role as a concert technician at Carnegie Hall means he must keep the pianos in pitch-perfect condition.
Cunha, originally from Portugal, is a 25-year veteran of the craft and spends his days racing among the city's most important pianos — from Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center to Broadway. On a busy Saturday he can tune up to 14 pianos, often facing the stressful deadlines.
"When you play a note, you feel, you hear ... when you put your fingers into the keys and ears into the sound, there's a feeling in the sound, too," he said. "But, it's like a body, a fullness of sound."
Cuhna uses his tuning hammers and plays notes again and again until they are in tune: "By using these rubber wedges, I’m blocking the string from vibrating," he said. "And you just move note by note."
Comments [6]
<a href="http://www.rocklandpianotuning.com/"><b>New City Piano Tuning<
To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity./b></a>
He is actually a very good singer also. Even out of tune.LOL I remember sitting by his side on the piano bench. I was nine years old and he was 13 I believe. OH, I almost forgot he is part ninja and has Spiderman like qualities. Way to go Litto(childhood nickname)oops, maybe he doesn't want anyone to know! Hee hee
Doesn´t look like Keith Jarrett
Mr Cunha,
Ei rapaz, que proeza a tua. Manda noticias
Grats to Mr. Cunha for his dedication to the art of piano tuning. I can't imagine being responsible for the pianos of Carnegie Hall. For a taste of what's involved in piano tuning, check out http://piano.detwiler.us. It's a skill that's in need of apprentices.
Good afternoon,
Anyone reading this ought to read "Piano, The making of a Steinway Concert Grand" by James Barron. Whether your interest are in music or craftsmanship it's great to know that there people out there carrying on a tradition.
regards, Jay
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