Originally Posted by
CenterWaters
(I do realize this is a very old thread, but I didn't want
to start a duplicate threadto ask the same question)
Is there any truth to this story at all? Did the US Customs and/or TSA at JFK airport
really destroy a Steinway grand piano belonging to pianist Krystian Zimerman?
This was reported very soon
after this went viral. There may be a bit of piggy-backing here, but there is no reason to think that Zimerman even knows Country Music exists and probably would be condescending if he did.
This article about the same time blames other reasons and does not mention the broken piano.
His answer was that he couldn't in good conscience play to an audience in a country whose political leaders he disagreed with, without making some kind of stand. Zimerman isn't naïve enough to think that his way of speaking out is going to change US policy in Eastern Europe. But he feels his music making can only speak to listeners who understand where he's coming from.
And there is
this from The Telegraph:
Zimerman is almost as famous these days for his extravagant anti-American posturing during concerts as his musicianship.
I am a piano player, no where near a pianist of his caliber, so I found this story interesting and did a bit more research.
An interesting review was
found from 2006 that states this:
The Chopin F-minor Ballade was played in lieu of scheduled Gershwin preludes (here is the substitution). Before playing it, Zimerman told the audience that the piano he takes on tour had been confiscated for five days (the abduction) after failing to pass through security at JFK airport. It was checked out thoroughly and returned with some broken keys. Zimerman was forced to import another piano and used one of three piano actions that accompany him on his tours.
The referenced article from the OP was three years after this interview. It seems the incident may grow bigger with each new telling. Zimerman is a remarkable pianist and more than a bit eccentric as are a lot of very good musicians. He has a custom Steinway that he had made especially for him and takes it with him on tour. It comes apart and he reassembles it when he arrives. He claims they broke the keyboard at JFK, but the only references I find are to his claims. I also find it difficult to believe that his piano action would be shipped as checked freight through the airport. Most musicians would use an air freight forwarding service, but that still may have occurred at JFK.
He is also vocally anti-American while at the same time willingly touring and taking the money of Americans that go to hear him play. If he hates America as much as he says he does, he should just not come. He has adoring audiences in Europe as well, and they will not break his piano. But, I know a few people that are lovers of classical music and most of his audiences were probably quite sympathetic.
You know, like "
Country Joe and the Fish" at Woodstock.