The Art of the Toy Piano

Margaret Leng Tan (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 13, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000040VC
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,980 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
For her first full-length exploration of the toy piano's slightly out-of-tune and whimsically off-kilter, percussive sound, Margaret Leng Tan covers a wide variety of material, cobbling together a surprisingly coherent, entertaining effort. The Art of the Toy Piano looks at first like it might be one of those sub-Kronos hipster records, sticking as it does Erik Satie next to Ralph Mostel, John Lennon next to Stephen Montague, and Guy Klucevsek next to Beethoven. But Tan not only has the sensitivity and control to mix these works without mashing them but also celebrates the odd, clunky musicality of the instrument. In addition to "real" piano, there's a smattering of funky kids' instruments, from a distorted drum machine to whistles, melodica, and toy accordion. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gamelan-like sound and varied writing, November 22, 1999

By	E. Turgeon (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There were a few duds, but most of the tracks were enchanting... or funny... or hypnotic... or sweet and wistful. A good introduction to some contemporary composers and the Bang On A Can festival, too. I listened to this album straight through and I hardly ever do that. On my copy, at least, the tracks were off between the disc and the label.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Novelty, July 16, 2006

By	Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

It's a great pity that this album has gone out of print, as Margaret Leng Tang shows here that the toy piano can be more than just a novelty. She demonstrates that it has a unique voice particularly suited to many melodies- especially when played with great sensitivity and touch. Her Satie seesm especially suited to the instrument. If this intrigues you, try to hunt down a copy of this album.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual Sound, September 27, 2004

By	L. Benjamin (Savannah, GA) - See all my reviews

The sharp sound with minimal sustain is unlike anything else; hard, clear, and perfectly resolved in Tan's superb performance. The CD contains a good mix of old standards ("Moonlight Sonata," Satie's "Gymnopedie" -- although thankfully not the ubiquitous 1st) and newer pieces written for toy piano. The track listing is confusing but correct; the odd font used for the track numbers may be matched with the corresponding title by following the thin red line at the base of each number.