Description
Book SynopsisPresenting a picture of Beethoven's formative years and early career, this study shows how the composer was influenced by teachers, theorists and instruments. Skowroneck pays special attention to Beethoven's trills and legato, and thoroughly revises the idea that Beethoven treated his pianos roughly and with impatience throughout his career.
Trade Review'This book is essential reading for anyone who wants the latest research on Beethoven's piano playing, plus a comprehensive collection of all the significant documentation relating to this subject. There should be a copy in every major library and on the bookshelves of all pianists who wish to play Beethoven's music in the way he envisaged.' Barry Cooper, University of Manchester
Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I. Beethoven, his Playing and his Instruments: 1. Beethoven's early training; 2. Beethoven the pianist; 3. Beethoven's first decade in Vienna; 4. The 1803 Érard Grand Piano; Part II. Sound Ideal and Performance: 5. The builder's influence; 6. The player's influence; Part III. Sound Ideal, Notation and Stylistic Change: 7. Common touch and legato; 8. The performance of Beethoven's trills; Epilogue; Bibliography.
