Pianissimo

On their most recent visit, my parents brought me a medium-sized keyboard — I suppose out of fear that I’ve stopped playing the piano.

Their fears were founded; I have stopped playing the piano.

They also brought all of the old songbooks I used to play through every day in high school, so this past week I’ve plugged in the keyboard and played around.

It was like riding a bike, truly. I even sang.

Before I knew it I was accompanying myself on an easily summoned “Your Daddy’s Son” from Ragtime, on a chilling “What’s the Use of Wondrin’,” from Carousel, and on an erstwhile “Hands” from Jewel’s Spirit album.

You all remember Spirit. It was when you knew for certain that you and Jewel were going to have to part ways soon.

The keyboard also plays a mean demo version of Sting’s “Englishman in New York,” so every now and then I’ll just sit and listen to that.

Last night, after hearing it in the very enjoyable The Darjeeling Limited, I downloaded the sheet music for Debussy’s “Clair de lune” and began slowly learning it. Tonight I learned a little more. It is a staggering piece of music.

What better summer project than to sit up late at night with the windows open, listening to the trash trucks and trash talkers outside, sipping a glass of wine during breaks from playing this — less poorly each time?

Before you all make fun of me, this was the least lame video on YouTube I could find of someone playing this song. It was either this or a bunch of kids’ recitals in church event rooms. So, enjoy Leif Ove Andsnes playing beautifully, paired with footage of him walking through his Norwegian town.

Oh, and thank you for the keyboard, Mom and Dad. You always know best.