This Saturday is World Piano Day. Every year, on the 88th day of the calendar, music lovers around the world unite to celebrate World Piano Day—a nod to the 88 keys that make up a standard piano. This annual event is more than just a tribute to an instrument; it’s a global appreciation of the music, creativity and emotions the piano has inspired for centuries.
The Origins of World Piano Day
World Piano Day was founded in 2015 by German pianist and composer Nils Frahm, who envisioned a day dedicated to honouring the instrument’s profound impact on music and culture. Since then, musicians, composers, and enthusiasts worldwide have embraced the occasion, hosting performances, workshops, and collaborative projects to highlight the piano’s versatility.
The Quirky Habits of Famous Pianists
Pianists are known for their dedication, but some of history’s greatest players also had some truly unique habits. Here are a few more fascinating routines:
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Ludwig van Beethoven started each day by counting exactly 60 coffee beans for his morning brew—perhaps fuelling his powerful compositions.
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Glenn Gould was notorious for humming along as he played and had a habit of sitting on a rickety old chair, refusing to use a standard piano bench.
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Frédéric Chopin was known to be so emotionally invested in his music that he sometimes wept while playing.
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Sergei Rachmaninoff, with his famously large hands, often practiced while holding a stress ball to keep his fingers limber.
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Vladimir Horowitz would not play in public unless he felt in top form, sometimes taking years-long breaks between performances.
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Clara Schumann meticulously practiced only in the early morning, believing that her mind was sharpest at dawn.
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Maurizio Pollini would warm up by playing extremely fast and difficult passages to prepare for more measured performances.
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Arthur Rubinstein claimed he only practiced a few hours a day but focused intensely on interpretation rather than repetition.
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Thelonious Monk would sometimes stand up and dance briefly while playing, using movement to inspire rhythmic innovation.
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Sviatoslav Richter often performed in near-total darkness, believing it heightened his sense of hearing and focus.
What We Can Learn
These quirks may seem eccentric, but they reveal an important truth: great musicians develop personal rituals that help them connect with their craft. Whether it’s a precise routine, a lucky charm, or an unconventional technique, these habits serve as reminders that music is deeply personal. For aspiring pianists, the takeaway is clear—find what works for you and embrace it!
Celebrating the Day
Piano enthusiasts mark World Piano Day in various ways, from virtual and in-person performances to special music releases and educational events. Institutions like music schools and concert halls often host recitals, while online communities share compositions and improvisations using the hashtag #WorldPianoDay.
Some piano makers and tech innovators also take the opportunity to unveil new instruments or digital advancements, proving that the piano remains as relevant as ever in the modern musical landscape.
A Day for All
Whether you’re a seasoned pianist, an aspiring player, or someone who simply enjoys listening, World Piano Day is an open invitation to appreciate the power of music. It’s a time to reflect on the way melodies and harmonies shape our emotions and connect us across cultures and generations.
So, if you have access to a piano, why not sit down and play a tune? If not, take a moment to listen to a piece that moves you. Either way, World Piano Day is about embracing the joy, beauty, and timelessness of music.