Instead of performing on his own Steinway, as is his long-established custom, he decided to choose an old instrument he discovered backstage at the Teatro Lauro Rossi, the recital venue. Helped by piano tuner Antonino Rappoccio, with whom he has collaborated for six years, Zimerman dismantled the instrument, made the necessary adjustments, put it all back together and found it of sufficient quality to use it in his performance on 2 April.