Spanish pianist faces possible jail time for practicing at home

MADRID – Spanish prosecutors want to send a young pianist to jail for over seven years after a neighbor accused him of causing psychological damage and noise pollution.

The plaintiff — identified only as Sonia B — claims she suffered from noise contamination between 2003 and 2007 owing to the five-days-a-week, eight-hour practice sessions by Laia Martin, who lived below her in the northeastern town of Puigcerda.

Martin, 27, now a professional concert pianist, denies she played at home that often as she took regular classes in other towns.

El Pais newspaper said Sonia B. told the court Monday she now hated pianos and eventually moved house.

A Catalonia Justice Tribunal spokeswoman said the trial continued Tuesday and ends Nov. 15. She spoke on condition of anonymity because of tribunal regulations.