Search - Margaret Leng Tan :: Art of the Toy Piano

Margaret Leng Tan
Art of the Toy Piano
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Classical

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. a Tarantella: Mirabella
2. Eleanor Rigby
3. Satie Blues
4. Three Landscapes for Peter Wyer
5. Modern Love Waltz
6. Miracle Ear
7. Nightmare Rag
8. East Broadway
9. Sonata In C - Sharp Minor ('Moonlight') Op. 27, No. 2: Adagio sostenuto
10. Sweet Chinoiserie
11. Star - Spangled Etude #3 ('Furling Banner')
12. Gymonp?die No. 3

CD Details

All Artists: Margaret Leng Tan
Title: Art of the Toy Piano
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Philips
Release Date: 5/13/1997
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Classical
Style: Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 028945634524

Synopsis

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

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CD Reviews

Beyond Novelty

Michael J Edelman | Huntington Woods, MI USA | 07/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Gamelan-like sound and varied writing

E. Turgeon | Portland, Oregon | 11/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Unusual Sound

L. Benjamin | Savannah, GA | 09/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."