Why toy pianos?

Review of the CD:  "Charmed: Classical Music on Toy Pianos"  Tickle The Ivories 2010
The newest CD release by the gifted pianist Paula Bobb is a winner!  In a world that is jammed with over-hyped "originality", along comes something so different and charming that it deserves serious coverage.  Ms Bobb, already championed for her creative programming and stunning musicianship, has brought forth a new delight to a jaded market.

The concept is simple:  childhood "classics" played on toy pianos.  Featured composers are Bartok, Schumann, Turk, and Heller.  This is THE Standard repertoire of generations of intermediate-level piano students.  Those of us who played some of these had usually long since left the toy pianos in the attic or given them away. . . if we were lucky enough to have ever had one.  This revelatory recording opens our ears and our hearts to the often-forgotten charm of the toy piano.  Ms. Bobb's own liner notes say it best:
"I get such a kick out of transcending the perceived limitations of a toy."
 

Transcend she does. Not only is the music played faithfully on these toys, it is also played beautifully.  If she had played on a Steinway D, the recording would be a lovely example of the beauty and charm and mystery of some of these little pieces.  However, in her hands, these small gems not only had the humorous thumping of the primitive action, and the tinkling of the metallic bars, they also have thoughtful, expressive and beautiful timing.  Her artistry makes the interpretation of Bartok's "I Lost My Young Couple" or "Swineherd's Dance" as unmistakeable as Schumann's "The Wild Rider".  This is a welcome addition to any serious (or not) collection.   Ms. Bobb is clearly an artist to watch."  
Polly Schaffner, Pianist.  Los Angeles.