A Man Named Otto…

Jeremy and Kim with Fred Altenburg – Otto’s Son

Other than my husband and kids, I’ve had two great passions my whole life: Music and Story. 

I have very few memories of the time before I started playing the piano. Music is in my blood. My Grandma was an amazing pianist, my Grandpa a saxophonist, my dad was a pianist, my mom a vocalist, my great aunt had her doctorate in music, I could go on and on. I took hundreds upon hundreds of lessons. Hours each day in practice. Competition after competition, festival after festival, recital after recital. I also took voice lessons and at one point played every instrument in the band. (Until the band director sent me home with the bassoon. My dad drew the line at that one after hearing how “lovely” it sounded on its own.)

When it came time for college, I was two years younger than most high school graduates. I had full scholarships at several prestigious music schools. But I received a phone call one day from a man named Charles Wilkes. He studied at Julliard. Had been a concert pianist. Had been teaching for decades. He asked me if I would be interested in studying under him. 

Decision made. I went to that small college to study piano under that amazing man. 

I met Jeremy the day I arrived. (Mr. Wilkes wasn’t a matchmaker–but I think he’d enjoy taking credit for it.)

Before Jeremy and I got married, he promised that one day he would buy me a grand piano. I’ll come back to that in a minute. 

Mr. Wilkes had been a concert pianist, had played at Carnegie Hall. But he wasn’t just a solo pianist. I have a program from the 1940s hanging in my music room that’s from him playing as a duo. In college, every year, we had a two-piano concert. We, his students, would play duets together on two grand pianos facing each other for our concert/recital at the end of each year. Mr. Wilkes and I then played the finale every year I was there. An incredible piece on two pianos. One that was supposed to accelerate as the song progressed, and he could still take off without me even at eighty years old. The man was phenomenal. 

Charles Wilkes knew a man named Otto Altenburg. They were good friends. Otto was in the family business. Altenburg Piano House. When the school needed a new grand piano for the stage for our two-piano concerts, Charles called Otto.  When that piano arrived, I was the first one to play it. (My husband had ordered me a beautiful upright from Otto that was delivered as well.) And for our concert that year, Mr. Wilkes and I played the finale again and I was privileged to play the Otto Altenburg piano. 

Over time, I had several conversations with Otto. He told me whenever I was ready for my grand, he would deliver it. He was so good to me. Such a joy to speak with, always encouraged me, and asked what piece Mr. Wilkes and I were going to play next. 

Sadly, Otto passed away before I could get that grand. 

Mr. Wilkes is gone now too. I sobbed when I found out. I knew he couldn’t live forever, but man, I sure did want him to. So many memories. When I fell in love with Jeremy he would remind me not to be distracted and to keep practicing. (Oh, gosh, the memories – lol) He was at my wedding. I changed my son’s diaper at his house and he gave Josh his “first” lesson at the grand piano in his living room when Josh was just a baby. We saw each other many times over the years and he’d always ask me what I was practicing and what I was teaching my students. He taught me the Liszt technique and I have now passed that on to all of my students for almost three decades. 

Fast forward to now. It’s been a crazy year. We moved to the Poconos from Montana. Our first grandbaby was born. But even with all the joys and triumphs, the past month has been a tough one. Brutal to be honest. Lots of hard things. My dad is currently in the hospital. My incredible Yamaha Clavinova that has been my “baby” and moved around the country with us for eighteen plus years started having some issues. Yes, I fell apart. It was probably the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back – or so the saying goes. Lots of hard things. Lots of stress. I cried pretty hard over the thought of losing that piano my sweet husband bought me all those years ago. Lots and lots of memories were on that piano. I’ve taught hundreds of students on that piano. 

So my husband – God bless him – surprised me by calling Altenburg Piano House. He spoke with Otto’s son, Fred. 

The Otto Altenburg piano is no longer being made, but Fred had one. With the Renner Action. Just like the first one that I played. 

Today, Fred delivered that beautiful 5’7″ grand to my home. What an absolute honor and privilege it was for me to meet Fred in person. I wish Otto and Charles could see it. 

Music and Story. The two are intertwined in my life. As an author – everything has a story, right? Well, this lovely Otto Altenburg piano will be prized and loved and cherished and played for many, many years.

And now the story of a little girl who went to a small college in Birmingham, Alabama to study piano under a little ol’ man named Mr. Wilkes that had a friend named Otto… well, she married the most wonderful man in the world and that man bought her an Otto Altenburg grand piano. That story has come full-circle.  

 

[There’s a picture of me and Mr. Wilkes on my new piano]

 

 

 

Comments 43

  1. Oh, you brought back memories of lessons and duel piano recitals with Mr. Wilkes! May many memories be made, and songs enjoyed on you new precious gift. Congratulations!

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  4. Oh, Kim,
    What a beautiful story! I knew that you taught piano, but to have the privilege of studying under a phenomenal man and now to receive such an exquisite piano. Wow! Just Wow!

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  5. What a beautiful sweet story of GOD ‘S SONshine on your life. May you have many more bright days.
    Love and hugs filled to the fullest with prayers for you and your family

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  6. So very excited for you ♥️ I miss your beautiful music and you, dear lady. God bless you as you continue on your music journey. God blessed you with a wonderful husband.

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  7. What a wonderful story and memory. It’s wonderful when we can share those memories with family and friends. I know you will treasure that piano and every time you sit to play all the wonderful stories flood back to you. I think that is just about the best….congratulations on your very very special piano…

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  8. I love love love this story. So touching, so sweet, so beautiful. What a multifaceted story of love and commitment that overflows with grace across your life. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

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  9. OMGosh!! What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. I also come from a musical family. (What little I know of it.) My mom and my sis were fantastic singers. My sis played piano and flute. My brother was also a great singer and could play almost any song on the piano or guitar by ear. He never had formal lessons; totally self-taught. There were other musicians in my family, but no one passed those genes on to me. I do love to listen to music. It renews me. I had a wonderous vinyl collection that disappeared one day. I’m okay with that. I wouldn’t listen to any of those discs anymore, but I sometimes wonder where they are.

    Again, thank you for sharing your story. It was lovely.

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  10. What a wonderful story! Sadly my piano lessons only lasted one year . I did enjoy playing for many years though..

    It was a joy to meet you at the Mississippi river readers retreat.

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  11. You have had the most interesting life of almost anyone else I know. I love your stories both fiction and non-fiction. You’re just a most amazing woman and I’m proud to call you friend. I hope you are blessed with your new piano. It’s so beautiful and I know what it means to you.

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  12. What a beautiful story! Isn’t God gracious? You went from broken hearted to a dream fulfilled. He often takes those broken things in our life and replaces them with finer things.
    Sandra Hillman

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  17. A beautiful story with I hope beautiful songs yet unwritten will break forth to appear in stories yet unwritten!

    Thank you for sharing with us.

    You know, I think I will draw from your story to look to my story to come full circle also.

    Blessings, Deborah

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  19. So happy for you! I love playing “real” pianos b/c they have personality! Unfortunately, most churches have gotten rid of their real pianos, in favor of keyboards, b/c real pianos go out of tune, sitting in a sanctuary that has temperature changes! I went to a quilt show a few years ago, held in a historic church… there was a grand piano on the platform, and… I couldn’t resist! I sat down & began playing old hymns, and then more old hymns just flowed out of my fingers… Two ladies came up to me (& I thought I was going to be scolded for touching the piano!) but they asked me if I could play for a few hours in the afternoon! (my friends & I had plans to visit the local quilt shop, lunch, etc, so I couldn’t stay! Sadly, I’ve seen pianos just abandoned on patios, or on Facebook market for free, or very low prices–so sad… THANKS for sharing this wonderful blessing!

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  20. Oh, how sweet and special!! For a split second I thought: I need to get Jack to read this!….. it’s the first time to do that for me. Hopefully he knows the story from Otto and Mr. Wilkes! 😘

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  21. What a wonderful story! I love your beautiful piano. I’m glad it is wood grain and not the typical black. Your husband is a sweetheart!

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