Poetic Musings on Pianos, Music & Life - Volume II

In great joy, excitement, and curiosity Ann describes a rediscovered world of sound and music after she retired from busy careers in trial law followed by a business career in fashion corset design and image consulting to the trans community.

Seeking solace during the pandemic lockdown and after retirement in 2020, one day she noticed her spinet piano sitting untouched since graduation from high school. At age 76 after not playing her high school piano for 63 years, Ann Grogan decided to take piano lessons again. She began by reviewing elementary piano books and a year later the thought struck her to "borrow" a friendly neighbor's grand piano--to play at least once in her life--in exchange for a gourmet home-cooked dinner. No less than two weeks after playing her neighbor's gorgeous semi-concert grand Bosendorfer, Ann decided she wanted her own grand piano and went on an arduous ten-month search for The Duchess, a Golden Age 1927 Steinway Model M parlor grand that she had completely rebuilt and refinished.

Soon thereafter music about poetry took hold and in this, her second poetry book, Ann continues inspirational musings about the piano and life. She considers various composers and musicology topics that caught her attention during her breakfast "music appreciation hour" including how women have been left out of public recognition and support in music as in other aspects of artistic, social, and political life. Reflecting a common angst about divisive politics, retrenchment in gender and racial civil rights, the rise of violence, and the rejection of science in public health, Ann retains and expresses irrepressible hope that music will continue to lift spirits and carry us forward to a happier world full of art and song.