In April of 2015, the Lipscomb University Department of Music became an All-Steinway School. This prestigious award is given to a university for choosing to use Steinway pianos for their students to practice on.

On the evening of Oct. 20, 2015, a ceremony in Ward Hall was given to announce Lipscomb’s achievement. The university decided to have The Pridonoff Duo come to give a dedication recital on the new Steinway pianos.

Who: Elisabeth and Eugene Pridonoff are a married couple that formed a piano duo in 1982. They have performed their talents in the United States as well as other countries throughout the world. The Pridonoffs are classically trained musicians and are known for their pedagogical skills. Their stellar performance of Mozart, Liszt, Piazolla and Rachmaninoff left the audience in utter amazement.

What: The first piece on the recital was a Mozart sonata for two pianos. Mozart originally wrote this for him and his sister to perform. The Pridonoffs have been playing this piece since their origin in 1982. Next on the list was Liszt himself. Franz Liszt wrote piano music for himself to show off how good he was at piano. Anyone who attempts to play Liszt must be a master of piano.

During the intermission, a Steinway representative came out and gave a speech on the award that was to be given. She handed the plaque to President Randy Lowry, who then gave a speech of his own. “To be an All-Steinway School is something that we have been looking forward to for a long time, and it gives me great pleasure that we can finally call ourselves one,” Lowry said.

The recital was concluded with Piazzolla and a favorite by Elisabeth Pridonoff: Rachmaninoff Suite No. 2 for two pianos. The speed and clarity at which they played seemed impossible, but nothing is impossible for this duo. They collaborated together so well it was hard to hear two distinct pianos.

Part of the reason it sounded so well was because of the two brand-new concert grand Steinway pianos. Steinway pianos are arguably the world’s best. Steinway’s secret is that they make everything that goes into a piano by hand with flawless and careful designing. It is not just an instrument, but a piece of art.

Have you ever played on a Steinway piano? What did you think of it?