By Leigh Currey Merrifield
I had some free time a recent evening, so I randomly searched online to find something worth reading. What I got hooked on was a group of videos of a young man in his early 30s at the piano. A little research revealed he was born in Paris and had learned to play the piano at the age of 10. His parents encouraged him, and since then, this exceptionally talented man has gained all sorts of recognition and awards.
These videos show him (impromptu) playing a piano in numerous public places – airports, on the streets, train stations, bus stops, and cafes to name a few. He never fails to draw a crowd to watch and listen and pull out their cameras to catch what he does “live”. He has drawn a lot of attention on TikTok and YouTube as well.
One of the things that struck me were camera shots of the faces of onlookers; Their looks registered everything from shock to awe; they clapped, tapped their toes, danced, smiled, shed tears – you name it! But he seemed to touch the bystanders’ emotions in one way or another and it didn’t matter who they were or where they were from; they were spellbound!
Even more fascinating were the number of people who came to him one at a time and asked if he could play a certain song. When he did, he also invited them to join him. One three-year old girl belted out the lyrics to a couple of songs from the movie FROZEN. A young lady with special needs joined him on her cello! And a woman 100 years old flawlessly sang Ave Maria with his accompaniment!
I was totally enthralled, watching how hundreds of people from all walks of life and folks of all ages gathered around him and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
It was proof that music is a ‘language’ that EVERYONE seems to understand. It can bring back memories, trigger emotions, alter our mood, calm and relax us, and is truly therapeutic – whether you are singing, playing an instrument or merely listening to it, it has great value. It’s a shame that it isn’t promoted more within our school systems.
I was fortunate to grow up in a household where there was always music, and the joy it brings is still a part of my life. Oh, how I wish I had this young man’s ability to play by ear, but I don’t. However, I can vouch for it helping me get through a difficult day; if I sit at the piano, it seems to drive the anxieties away. It’s a remarkable tonic!!!
If you’re browsing on the internet and need a lift, his given name is Emil Jean Joachim Reinert but his videos are branded “Emilio Piano”. Google it and I’ll bet you will smile!
Quote of the week: “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” ~ Aldous Huxley
