Music in the books of Literary Travel Bookstore Evenaar in Amsterdam.
The Piano Tuner(2002) by American author Daniel Mason (born 1976).
It’s 1886. A British army doctor stationed in Birma is asking for a piano. Does he really think music can bring peace to a war zone, a colonel wonders. The doctor in question, Anthony Carrol, has earned some credit at command, for bringing some conflicting parties together. So, his request is granted. Several months later, the second request is uttered, a piano tuner, because the instrument, a Erard piano, is out of key due to the tropical weather conditions.
Edgar Drake, a piano tuner from London is commissioned because of his renowned knowledge on Erard pianos. After a journey of 5,000 miles per train and boat, he arrives in Birma. “In the 15 passes that took him from the gate to the waiting carriages, Birma appeared, as if a curtain was lifted before a show.’
We are kept in long suspense whether or not he will ever tune or repair the Erard piano. This does happen, but afterwards he will undertake other adventures, such as accompany Dr. Caroll, the owner of the piano, to peace negotiations.
Why this book is a good read? The beautiful descriptions of people and nature, the mysterious behaviour of the doctor and the female interpreter, who appear and disappear in Edgar Drake, the tuner’s mind. Does he even want to return to England? To illustrate this, the author refers to the Odysee: once you have tasted the Lotus, you want to stay with the Lotus Eaters and you don’t think to journey home.’
The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason: on sale at Literaire Reisboekhandel Evenaar in Amsterdam, but at other respectable book shops as well.
Music:
Tune: J.S. Bach: From Das Wohltemperierte Klavier Boek 1, prelude and fugue in C sharp
Performer: Ivo Janssen, piano.
CD: VOID J.S. Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier 2 CD 1 tr 23
1. Anonymous:
Nan bon thi ha bwe (saung gauk) 5.25
Zay ya tu traba mingalan (sang gauk en zang) 5.46
Taw hnic taung sway (sang gauk en zang) 6.01
Kan ta la ( of kanbwe yodaya (hsaing waing) 5.28
Aung mye mya man pat pyo (hsaing waing) 9.22
Tay that (hsaing waing) 6.02
Ye kin (hsaing waing) 9.58
Performers: Myanmar cultural show
CD: Myanmar Birmanie PEOCD CD 1009 tr 1 t/m 8 (50.00)
2. J.S. Bach: From Das Wohltemperierte Piano Book 1 prelude and fugue in C sharp
Performer: Ivo Janssen, piano.
CD: VOID JS Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Piano 2 CD 1 tr 23 time: 4.22
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