The Thing I've Played with the Most: Professor Anthon E. Darling Discusses His Favourite Instrument - Softcover

David Walden is an Associate Professor of music at Toronto's Ryerson Polytechnic University and he continues to write, perform and compose. His 'Requiem in Remembrance of the Genocides' of the 20th Century premiered in the fall of 2000.

Foreword

Honestly, people, I can't remember when I've had a happier task to perform. As you all know, I'm sure, as Chairperson of the Registered Music Instructors Association of Chezlee Ont and Environs, I have many blessed events to attend and a host of delightful functions to perform. But when Anthon - our own, local. home grown, honey of a "maestro of the 88" - asked me to give my "ALMA MATER" - (to use the Latin, I think) - to this stunning masterpiece of a book, I was so thrilled I haven't sat down since.

Every single page of this titanic opus is full of it! Jam-packed with nuggets and gems about a thing I myself have played with all my life (and enjoyed immensely, I might add). Anthon and 'Thee' Maestro - Colli Albani, L.C.B.O. - are two of the most sought after men in our town and county. As well, they're often asked for speaking engagements at which they have titillated the minds of many a Chezlee maid and given them a lot to think about to boot.

What Professor Anthon E. Darling does for the piano in this book is not to be believed. He covers it top to bottom, left to right, back and forth until, by the end, there are absolutely no questions left. There are answers to questions in this book that I myself had not even thought to ask: and you all know how broad my coverage is! Anthon is omnisciently comprehensive in his approach to the piano and at times, as is so often the case when one is in the ecstatic heights of a learning experience, you just want to say, "Stop! Stop! Stop! I've had enough!!!!". But unwittingly, Anton plunges on to even greater revelations of pianistic truth until you are literally left in a wet mess of post-instruction exhaustion.

On top of it all, Anthon does it with that rollicking, feather-tickling, prodding, punching sense of humour that has left, I don't know how many of us, gasping for breath afterwards. You girls will be loosening your girdles and you men will be unbuckling your britches before you've got to the end of Chapter One. It's unlawful what that Darling fellow does to your funny bone.

Now as far as his metamorphosis is concerned - (I think that's the proper term but correct me if I'm wrong) - David E. Walden - the girls of the Chezlee Ont Parsnip and Arts Fest Central Committee and ALL the members of the Chezlee Ont Registered Music Instructors Association (including both Clyde and Cyril) are his biggest fans. His gi-normous talent is only exceeded by his girth and pound per pound you always get your money's worth with Walden. Add to that, you're always guaranteed a blush and/or a giggle - both of which are needed in these desperate times.

Have I read this book? You betcha!

Would I buy it for an ailing friend, a fan of the piano, or a relative I actually like?

You bet your sweet rutabagus chips I would!

I am so delighted with it, that I have given it the "FULL MONTY" of the C.O.R.M.I.A. (including Clyde and Cyril) and the C.O.P.A.F.C.C. have unanimously declared the book "decree nisi"!

What more could be said? Honestly now, I ask you.

If you're reading this, it probably means you've purchased the book, so get to it! Enjoy! You'll never read anything like it and I mean that most sincerely.

Keyboard Blessings from Myself
(and the cats - both Bartholomew and Freddie)

Mabel May Squinnge, B.O.
Mar 1, 2001
Legion Hall Upper Room
(headquarters of the C.O.R.M.I.A.)