A pianist can sometimes resemble a slow underwater swimmer, and a lover likewise swims within the sea of the other, far down where no waves can reach; overhead, the piano's lid, heavier than a coffin's, shuts out extraneous vibrations, while simultaneously demarcating the boundary between water and air. It's too perfect underwater; that's what kills us, the perfection!
The excerpt compares a pianist to a slow swimmer, suggesting a serene yet isolating experience. Both the pianist and a lover engage deeply in their respective realms, immersing themselves in a world where external distractions are absent. The piano's lid symbolizes a barrier that limits external influences, creating a unique space for connection and artistry.
However, this perfection found in their deep focus is also depicted as detrimental. The idea that...
