Pannonica’s Piano

[Mark M.]

I don’t have the means and I’m not a collector. But, If I was, I’d be all over this:

The Pannonica Piano - Steinway M played by Jazz Greats (#0070) on Sep 21, 2022 | Guernsey'''s in NY

[2bornot2bop]

Nica, was such a kind, caring soul. She gave so much of herself, to the musicians she loved!

What a treasure Pannonica is. In its ebony reflection, one can almost visualize the joy that piano brought to so many. What a beautiful story!

Thank you MM for sharing this with us!

[Doctor Jeff]

Wow--that is quite a piano.

She certainly had a storied life. Among other interesting things she worked for the Free French Army in WW2, operating radios and driving an ambulance among other things, and was decorated as a Lieutenant at the end of the war. She also married into one of the wealthiest families in the world.

It is interesting that not only was she a patron of the arts, she supported 2 of the most important figures in jazz--Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk--during their later years and fatal illnesses. Parker died at her apartment (which led to her being asked to move out of The Stanhope and her husband filing for divorce), and Monk had been living at her house when he suffered his fatal stroke.

I will watch that video when I get a chance and look for a good biography of her.

[Mark M.]

I am amazed to hear that the “cat house” is still quite the same as when Nica and Monk lived there. That is going to change soon, apparently. I’d love to see that piano in that room in Weehawken and just reflect on the music that was made and composed there. I hope that who ever buys this incredible historic artifact will have the foresight to loan it to a museum (preferably in NYC where it belongs) so that others can admire it and remember.

[2bornot2bop]

At the very least that piano belongs in the Smithsonian. If that was a guitar, even though it’s a far more complex instrument, it would be worth a gazillion $.