Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Ron Gold

November 28, 2006

DUET FOR 5 HANDS

Ron Gold

A loving mother gave her young son a once in a lifetime gift: tickets to see and hear the great pianist, Ignacy Paderewski perform in their hometown.

She hoped seeing and hearing the piano master would inspire, motivate and build the boy’s confidence.

As she left her seat to greet a friend, her son ambled off and

entered a “no admittance” door that led him on stage and to the maestro’s freshly tuned Steinway concert grand piano.

The curtain rose and the audience saw the boy seated at the high piano bench, picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on the long keyboard.

Paderewski quietly entered the stage in white tie, tails, sun-bright patent leather shoes and his trademark flowing orange-red hair. The maestro whispered: “No matter what, don’t quit.  Keep playing. The hand of God is with you. You are not alone.“

The maestro reached over the boy’s left shoulder and added a bass line.  Reaching over the child’s right shoulder, the great pianist added a frilly, harmonic obbligato.

The audience cheered! The mother’s wish was granted.  And her son treasured a memory and a creed he would remember throughout his life: No matter what, don’t quit.  Keep playing. The hand of God is with you. You are not alone.

Ron Gold 

outthinkresumes@aol.com