My mom loved music. As a girl growing up in Philadelphia, she took piano lessons. Then after moving to the barren prairie's of Montana as a young teen, she begged to continue her lessons. Grandma found a piano teacher who traded lessons for eggs. As soon as school was over, mom would rush to Miss Hunt and for awhile was lost in the magic of music. She learned to play all the classics and favorite ballads. Then she moved to Wyoming and married my dad where they lived on the side of a mountain, miles from the nearest neighbor. She missed her music, but didn't complain. But my dad was an observant man, and for their first wedding anniversary this cowboy went to Billings, Montana, the closest big town, and brought home his gift to her--a brand, new piano.
I can only imagine her surprise and joy. Soon the house was filled with the familiar melodies of Bach, Chopin, and Mozart. Daddy loved music, and when she played a familiar ballad he would take out his harmonica and play along. After supper, and the dishes washed and put away, we often would gather around the piano and sing. The evening usually ended with the strains of Daddy's favorite classic--Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor commonly known as "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven.
In the crisp winter night air one might hear a coyote join in and add to the melodies floating down across the mountain.
Beautiful post. My mother loved music, too. She didn't play, but she had the voice of an angel. "The song remembers when ... "
ReplyDeleteThis was just the most lovely post. I enjoyed reading it very much. Perhaps it is because I have so many warm memories of being around the piano. Your father sounds like a loving, generous, intuitive man and a very wise one at that. I'm sure that your mother deeply appreciated that wonderful gesture.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Marti. I remember my mother playing and singing hymns at the piano and at Christmas time she, of course, would play Christmas songs. When I was old enough, I played and sang but it wasn't as nice as listening to my mother's voice. I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, as they say!
ReplyDeleteMusic truly is soul food. My Dad is a retired music teacher, so music was a given in our house, and continues to be so in mine. I love how various pieces of music can evoke different emotions in me; so powerful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear and thoughtful way for your dad to show his love to your mom by surprising her with a piano! Both of my parents were born and raised in Philadelphia. I was born there too but moved immediately to south Jersey after birth.
ReplyDeleteA joy stopping by to visit with you this evening!
You had the greatest parents - so much in love. sandie
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe today is what most people consider to be Beethoven's birthday! Love to play the piano as well and the Fur Elise was one of my favorites growing up! Beautiful story!
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