Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
ARTICLE: livingpianos.com/articles/when-steinway-punished-a-famous-pianist-for-praising-bosendorfer
Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I'm Robert Estrin. Imagine you're a world-famous pianist. You've sold out Carnegie Hall. You have a recital tonight at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. Then, just a few hours before you're supposed to walk on stage, you find out your Steinway piano is gone. What happened to pianist Garrick Ohlsson in 1972 is one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the concert piano world. It also reveals something important about what goes on behind the scenes in the piano industry. As someone who has sold pianos for decades, I can tell you this is not simply ancient history.
Hear a shocking piano story about a world-famous performer who lost their instrument just hours before a major recital.
In this video, Robert Estrin of Living Pianos recounts a stressful situation where a concert pianist faced a disaster at Alice Tully Hall. This account is for anyone who appreciates the high stakes of professional performance and the logistics behind a successful Carnegie Hall caliber event. You will learn about the critical importance of instrument preparation and the unexpected challenges that can derail even the most prepared artists.
We examine how the missing piano crisis unfolded and what it reveals about the world of professional music. Understanding these behind-the-scenes stories provides a unique perspective on what it truly takes to perform at the highest levels of the craft. Whether you are a musician or a dedicated listener, this piano story highlights the unpredictable nature of live performance.
Subscribe for weekly piano insights and deep dives into the world of professional music, and tell us in the comments if you have ever experienced a performance disaster.
ARTICLE: livingpianos.com/articles/when-steinway-punished-a-famous-pianist-for-praising-bosendorfer
Welcome to LivingPianos.com. I'm Robert Estrin. Imagine you're a world-famous pianist. You've sold out Carnegie Hall. You have a recital tonight at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. Then, just a few hours before you're supposed to walk on stage, you find out your Steinway piano is gone. What happened to pianist Garrick Ohlsson in 1972 is one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the concert piano world. It also reveals something important about what goes on behind the scenes in the piano industry. As someone who has sold pianos for decades, I can tell you this is not simply ancient history.
Hear a shocking piano story about a world-famous performer who lost their instrument just hours before a major recital.
In this video, Robert Estrin of Living Pianos recounts a stressful situation where a concert pianist faced a disaster at Alice Tully Hall. This account is for anyone who appreciates the high stakes of professional performance and the logistics behind a successful Carnegie Hall caliber event. You will learn about the critical importance of instrument preparation and the unexpected challenges that can derail even the most prepared artists.
We examine how the missing piano crisis unfolded and what it reveals about the world of professional music. Understanding these behind-the-scenes stories provides a unique perspective on what it truly takes to perform at the highest levels of the craft. Whether you are a musician or a dedicated listener, this piano story highlights the unpredictable nature of live performance.
Subscribe for weekly piano insights and deep dives into the world of professional music, and tell us in the comments if you have ever experienced a performance disaster.
