Description
Book SynopsisThe undisputed pre-eminence of Paris as a centre of the piano world dates from the early 19th century, and the professors of the Paris Conservatoire transmitted the characteristic French style to each new generation for some 150 years. First published in 1992, this study surveys the historical development, performances practices, and pedagogical philosophies of this school of piano playing. The author studied with several proponents of the jeu perle, a French style of playing categorized by rapid, clean even passage-work, note after note. Over a 15-year period Charles Timbrell conducted more than 70 interviews with notable French pianists, many of them new to this edition and all of them frank and lively conversationalists, ranging from a 96-year old Paul Loyonnet - a link to the traditions of the 19th century - to emerging young talents at the turn of the millennium. Also included in this edition are the author's detailed recollections of his own lessons with such luminaries as Gaby Casadesus, Jeanne-Marie Darre, Monique Haas, Eric Heidsieck and Magda Tagliaferro.
Trade Review'This book should be in the libraries of all graduate and undergraduate institutions where the piano is taught.' - Choice; 'This is a book that delights and is also an invaluable document, one that is obviously the fruit of much imaginative planning ... Many historic artists come colourfully to life at the prompting of Charles Timbrell.' - Notes; 'French Pianism ... is full of advice worth hundreds of private lessons [and it] offers illuminating interviews. A notable book.' - Clavier; 'A lucid and precise volume about the history and aesthetics of the French ways of playing the piano, [with] substantial bibliography and instructive lists of exercises, methods, etudes, and editions.' - Piano & Keyboard; 'An invaluable contribution ... The discussion of pedagogical principles, and the insights about the complex elements that led to an important national school of playing, are both interesting and of great value.' - American Music Teacher
Table of ContentsForeword by Gaby Casadesus; Preface; 1. The Nineteenth Century: Early French Pianos; The Paris Conservatoire and French Musical Education; Composers, Performers, Teachers, and Methods; Historic Recordings; 2. Leading Artist-Teachers 1900-1940: Isidor Philipp; Marguerite Long; Alfred Cortot; Lazare-Levy; 3. Major Figures Since World War II: Armand Ferte; Yves Nat; Marcel Ciampi; Jules Gentil; Yvonne Lefebure; Robert Casadesus; Jacques Fevrier; Vlado Perlemuter; Lucette Descaves; Lelia Gousseau; Yvonne Loriod; Dominique Merlet; Addendum: The Author's Recollections; 4. Interviews: Paul Loyonnet; Gaby Casadesus; Pierre Sancan; Jean-Joel Barbier; Germaine Mounier; Grant Johannesen; Pierre Barbizet; Jean-Philippe Collard; Brigitte Engerer; Jean-Marc Luisada; Helene Grimaud; 5. Coda: The French School, Past and Present; Appendix 1. Bibliographies of Interviewees; Appendix 2. Piani Professors at the Paris Conservatoire 1795-1998; Appendix 3. SelectedDiscography; Appendix 4. Selected Methods, Exercises and Etudes; Notes, Selected Bibliography
