Description
Book SynopsisA fascinating look at the technique of world-renowned pianists from the last two centuries
Trade Review. . . [a] classic study of keyboard technique . . . .
-- Patricia Stroh * Beethoven Journal *
This book was eye-opening when the first edition . . . appeared, and it remains so today. . . . The new edition is somewhat enhanced with the addition of a short foreword by Alan Walker and a number of appendixes that refer the reader to specific discussion areas such as 'the aesthetic imperative, mental and psychological control, isolated movements, coordinated movements, posture,' and so on. . . . Recommended. . . .
* Choice *
. . . the expanded part of Gerig's book [is] so impressive that this section by itself is worth more than the price of the book. Just one of the cross-referenced ideas would be enough to spur a thesis, dissertation, or lecture-recital. . . . Scholars will not be disappointed at the array of obscure facts and hard-to-locate bibliography. Pedagogues will relish this text as an indispensable reference for their courses and daily work. Pianists will be able to constantly refer and return to their historical heritage. Gerig's book has not only withstood the test of time, but will continue to do so.
* Piano Journal *
For both amateurs and professionals, Professor Gerig's book is entertaining and informative reading. Serious students of the instrument should place a high priority on owning this revision and reading it from cover to cover. From Mr. Gerig's enlightening narrative we learn as much about the lives of legendary pianists and pedagogues, their performing, and their teaching as we do about piano technique. Lastly, the paperback cover keeps the cost of the volume reasonable.Vol.25.1 Winter/Spring 2009
-- Reid Alexander * University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign *
Called 'the bible of piano technique' by Maurice Hinson, this book is a comprehnsive resource for the student, teacher and professional pianist. January 7, 2011
* The Washington Times *
Table of ContentsForeword by Alan Walker
Preface and Acknowledgments
1. The Meaning of Technique
2. The Early Clavier Methods
3. The Beginnings of the Piano
4. Mozart and the Early Piano Technique
5. Hummel: The Culmination of the Viennese Era
6. The Dynamic Beethoven Technique
7. Czerny: Technique Personified
8. The Early Methodology
9. The Lyricism of Chopin
10. Liszt and Virtuoso Technique
11. The Schumann Circle
12. The Beginnings of Modern Technical Methods
13. The Leschetizky Influence
14. Russian Nationalism
15. The French School
16. Breithaupt and Weight Technique
17. The English School: Matthay; His Pupils and Colleagues
18. Ortmann: Piano Technique Comes of Age
19. Contemporary Technical Thought
20. The Perspectives of an Enlightened Piano Technique
Appendices
1. The Aesthetic Imperative
2. Mental and Psychological Control
3. An Intellectual Grasp of Basic Technical Knowledge
4. Isolated Movements
5. Coordinated Movements
6. Muscular Coordination
7. The Kinesthetic Sense
8. Posture
9. Means for Specific Technical Development
10. Historical Concepts and Perspectives of Piano Technical Thought
11. Supplementary Bibliography
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
