The Most Obscene Display of Private Wealth: Two Steinway Concert Grand Pianos at a Cocktail Party

The internet is abuzz with discussions about the most outrageous displays of private wealth. One particularly jaw-dropping example comes from a Reddit post in the r/AskReddit subreddit. The question posed by the user "u/pk666" eight years ago asked, "What is the most obscene display of private wealth you have witnessed?"

The top response, by a now-deleted account with a pink pig icon, stands out for its sheer extravagance. The user shared an experience that left many readers in disbelief. On the recommendation of their college music professor, this individual was invited to play piano at a high-end cocktail party hosted at a wealthy person's residence. The event was black-tie, with guests dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns.

What made this party truly unforgettable was the presence of not one, but two Steinway concert grand pianos. These magnificent instruments, each nine feet long and crafted with elegant veneers, are worth approximately $140,000 apiece. The pianos were strategically placed at either end of the room, allowing the pianist to entertain guests on both sides by moving between the two instruments throughout the evening.

For most pianists, encountering a single Steinway concert grand in a private home is a rare occurrence. Seeing two in one venue is almost unheard of, making this display of wealth particularly striking.

The post has garnered significant attention, with 1,531 upvotes and 2,207 comments. Many users shared their thoughts and similar experiences. Some highlighted the stark contrast between such opulence and the struggles faced by ordinary people. One user mentioned a friend who died because he couldn't afford healthcare, while another recounted a story about a 27-year-old who passed away after rationing insulin due to losing health insurance.

Other comments ranged from humorous to sobering. One user joked about having matching dishes, while another shared a story about a house with a mini soccer field on the third floor. A particularly shocking comment described a guest bathroom filled with jars of cocaine at a rich friend's rental house.

The discussion also touched on broader themes of wealth inequality and the ethical implications of such extravagant displays. One user quoted William Gibson's "Count Zero," saying, "And, for an instant, she stared directly into those soft blue eyes and knew, with an instinctive mammalian certainty, that the exceedingly rich were no longer even remotely human."

As the conversation around wealth disparity continues, this Reddit post serves as a stark reminder of the vast differences in how people experience and display wealth. The image of two Steinway concert grand pianos at a single cocktail party encapsulates the extreme end of the spectrum, sparking both awe and criticism in equal measure.