Famous Pianists and Their Technique, New Edition

As a history of pedagogy, the book is thorough and cites heavily from the sources it discusses. To that extent, while the author's views & opinions are always clear, he leaves it to the reader to critique and judge for themselves. I'd say well over half the book is direct quotations.As a pedagogical tool to improve piano playing, it is unparalleled. Charles Rosen has (rightly) said that, due to every pianist's hand being different, all books on pedagogy are essentially useless. Now, this one isn't so much a pedagogy book, as a book about pedagogy. By surveying and presenting the most important pedagogical tools in the history of piano, a student is left to their own devices to apply what they learn to their own playing.I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone with a serious interest in bettering their technique, in teaching the piano, or both.

More a collection of anecdotal account by people who heard famous pianists play. An enjoyable and even engagin read, but it does not in itself really convey much information about the work of e.g. Deppe or Matthay, let alone Liszt or Beethoven. An interesting compendium of pedagogic history, a few nice exercises, but better to go to the original sources. I'd particularly recommend Lhevinne for his plain language and ability to make in words what is ultimately tactile and palpable within the hand, wrist, and arm.

This book was way above my expectations. In an entertaining and absorbing manner it traces the history of piano performers, teachers and pedagogic methods from the beginnings of the pianoforte through to the 20th century. It is very well organized and has extensive coverage and a wonderful index. What struck me most was the number of detailed quotes, letters and reminiscences from various people who actually heard the playing of the greats. The development of the different styles and techniques is brought to life by this approach. I found myself reading the book in short sections and then mulling on what I had read; finding that it enhanced my playing, and opened up new possibilities for study and improvement. The book lends itself to multiple readings and becomes a reference book once completed. I would recommend this heartily not only to piano students and teachers alike, but also to music enthusiasts who wish to improve their listening skills. It is truly a classic.

This was a gift to my nephew and he was very happy to receive it. I bought this because it was on his birthday wish list and I would say he nows play the piano like a PRO. Thank you!

This book goes through the history of piano technique and the way it has been taught over centuries. It discusses the various schools of technique that have existed, and still exist in the US and Europe.I got this book to understand how to improve my technique. It can give you good guidelines and practical information, and help you understand why different teachers teach things differently.Ultimately, this book can only give you direction: you'll still have to work in that direction to improve.

This book is truly wonderful not only for the technical information but is wriitten in such a way that one can read short, anecdotal stories of the historical and famous players through history. In the end it also provides tremendous reference material for modern approaches to the technical aspects of playing and lists many of the most important books on the subject. If you are a teacher or a serious student I can't imagine a better book to start wtih.

I was hoping to have more composers but what is there is good. A qualified recommended book, that is very well written.

I've read some other books about this subject. This is the best of them concerning technique. It will describe technique along with it's history and development, it will cover a large ground and it will be a delightful read in every chapter. If you are a piano affictionate, buy it.

Made a perfect present.