Sonata In C - Sharp Minor ('Moonlight') Op. 27, No. 2: Adagio sostenuto
Sweet Chinoiserie
Star - Spangled Etude #3 ('Furling Banner')
Gymonp?die No. 3
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, en... more »tertaining 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« less
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
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."
The Art of Margaret Leng Tan
John D. Dooley | Southern California United States | 12/11/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Margaret Leng Tan has been playing her version of what a piano "Could" or "Should" sound like for years. In the past she mastered the prepared piano, which is a piano with cork or metal parts inbetween the hammer and strings, with the CD "Sonic Encounters". Later with piano tape loops, which is recorded piano notes on repeating tape, with the CD "Litania". This is her newest musical addition, & what an addition it is: "The Art of the Toy Piano". Margaret Leng Tan plays every style from Classical music (Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata & Erik Satie's Gymnopédie No. 3) to Rock (Beatles's Eleanor Rigby) with a semi-off tune, percussion like toy piano which adds an unique edge to some tunes you may know or never heard before. Sometimes other instruments are added, including a normal piano, which softens or blends the toy piano's hard edged sound. Try the "Listen to Samples", specially the 1st piece "Mirabella (A Tarantella)" for some "Real" art."