If you’ve ever seen the 1988 classic film “Big,” you’ll likely remember the iconic scene where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia play a giant floor piano in a toy store.
This memorable moment sparked a trend, making giant floor pianos a popular attraction.
They’re not just fun to watch; they’re even more enjoyable to play.
One man who has embraced this unique instrument is Alexander Dennis Volk, also known as Mister Piano.
Mister Piano has been playing giant pianos for several years.
He’s not just a casual player; he’s a maestro of this unusual instrument.
He’s known for his public performances on various keyboards, including rolling pianos.
His creativity, extravagance, and visionary thinking have made him a popular figure in various TV programs and events across Europe.
The concept of giant pianos, also known as walking pianos, dates back to 1982 when the first one-octave version was created.
It was displayed at the FAO Schwarz toy store in New York City, the same store featured in the film “Big.”
The three-octave version was built specifically for the movie, as requested by the director, Penny Marshall.
This giant piano was later displayed at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until 2013.
Today, walking pianos are still available and can even be purchased online.
They’re perfect for kids and adults alike who want to experience the joy of playing music in a unique and fun way.
In one of Mister Piano’s YouTube videos, he and his partner, dressed in piano-inspired costumes and barefoot for better performance, play a giant piano in front of a large crowd.
They perform a harmonious version of “Heart and Soul,” perfectly hitting each key with their feet, much to the delight of the audience.
As Mister Piano’s partner takes her turn to play, he encourages the crowd to clap to the beat of the song.
The audience happily obliges, creating a magical moment filled with music and collective joy.
The performance is a hit, both with the live audience and online viewers.
The video of their performance has been viewed over 6.2 million times on YouTube.
Many viewers left comments expressing their admiration for the performance and their interest in playing giant pianos.
One commenter wrote, “The best way to perform a tremolo? Obviously it’s a handstand!
I love this performance. Where is this? And how frequently do you perform?
Also, don’t you get super tired or something, depending on how long you perform?”
Another YouTube user commented, “This song is so cool. I cannot believe how they do that.”
The overwhelming positive response to the video is a testament to the talent and creativity of Mister Piano and his partner, and the enduring appeal of the giant piano.
Giant pianos, with their unique charm and interactive nature, continue to captivate people around the world.
Whether it’s a performance by a seasoned player like Mister Piano or a spontaneous play session by a child in a toy store, the joy and excitement they bring are undeniable.
So, if you ever come across a giant piano, don’t hesitate to step up and play a tune.
Watch their fancy footwork in the video below!
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