In the right mood
The quality of a piano recital depends largely on the preparation of the grand piano. Hardly anyone knows better how to optimally tune an instrument for its big performance than Torben Garlin, who has been with C. Bechstein for many years, since 2018 as Director Concert and Institutional Service. In this capacity, Torben Garlin regularly works with great pianists around the world. He traveled to Singapore ahead of Martha Argerich's concert at Esplanade Hall in November 2022.
What exactly was your job on site?
"Together with the two concert technicians from our local dealer Bechstein Music World Singapore, I prepared the two D 282 concert grand pianos for the concerts in the Esplanade Concert Hall."
How would you describe the cooperation with the partner in Singapore?
"I've been to Singapore several times in recent years and have regularly worked on our instruments together with the technicians from Bechstein Music World. This always takes place on an equal footing and with great motivation on all sides. That means it's always great, we have fun and we learn from each other too."
The Esplanade Concert Hall is a renowned venue. How did you like it?
"The concert hall is about 20 years old and has excellent acoustics. These can also be individually adapted to the music of the respective program, for example a recital or a concert with an orchestra."
Working with a legend like Martha Argerich must be something very special.
"I've met Martha several times, including at the Chopin Festival Nohant in France and the Tsinandali Festival in Georgia. She played C. Bechstein there. We have a good relationship and I can work very well with her. But basically: Yes, of course, meeting Martha Argerich is a highlight."
What is actually the biggest nightmare of a concert technician?
"The worst thing would be if a string broke during a concert. Fortunately, that has never happened to me."
More on the concert "Martha Argerich And Friends"