City Still: An Erogenous Zone of Urbanity

Summer Piano

Recently the city initiated the summer outdoor installation of pianos, graciously volunteered by musicians, for the impromptu use and enjoyment of passers-by. The pianos were located near existing pedestrian pathways and in such places as to introduce an island of music in the hubbub of the city.

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Some were painted in soft hues that added a touch of fancy and all were provided a token anchoring system and a rain and night time waterproof cover. No vandalism was declared at the end of the experiment.

In the above case, the piano was installed near a landscaped area next to a public library and community cultural center, and on the edge of the pedestrian “eddy space” next to a bus stop, located behind the photographer.

To use more precise terms the piano was located at the back of a pedestrian setting  with very porous limits, along the edge of a concrete planter usually occupied by people waiting, reading, etc.

Does music really soften urban mores … were the pianos seen as such a natural outgrowth of where they were installed as to promote civility … or did their active and passive use by passers-by prompt such friendly conversation with the piano player as to nip in the bud all uncivil thought or intent?

As the saying goes, it probably just “hit the spot” … one of the city’s own “erogenous” zones of urbanity!

P.S.: Because of this aura, not so curiously, this area has turned into  the operation basis for the local crutch bearing con artist that smooth talks the unsuspecting target for a ten or more, for cab fare, given her condition … having been one of them I speak from experience!

 

Photo and collage credit Maurice Amiel

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