Description
Book SynopsisInternationally acclaimed pianist and teacher Claudio Arrau (1903-91) left a legacy that continues to touch piano students today. This book is an in-depth guide to Arrau's performance and teaching techniques, providing an insider's view of the art of piano playing as exemplified by one of the great artists of the twentieth century.
Trade ReviewThis engaging book is of indispensable importance to students and professionals. It clarifies the development of the physical approach to the keyboard and the musical demands imposed by the evolution of the instrument. Using countless valuable references and details never before seen in one publication, Victoria von Arx documents Claudio Arrau's teachings and his use of the body in a natural way without ever losing musical depth. * DLMaestro German Diez *
In this well-researched and important book, Victoria von Arx illustrates the teaching legacy of Claudio Arrau, capturing the great inspiration as well as the precise technical instruction communicated by this giant of the piano. * DLEna Bronstein Barton, Westminster College of the Arts, Rider University *
...A much-deserved, revealing tribute. * Internationa Piano *
Table of ContentsIntroduction ; SECTION 1: ARRAU'S PREDECESSORS ; Chapter 1 Martin Krause ; Chapter 2 Arrau and the Lisztian Legacy ; Chapter 3 Rudolf Breithaupt ; Section 2: TECHNIQUE ; Chapter 4 Arrau's Concept of Technique and Virtuosity ; Chapter 5 The "Arrau Technique" ; 5.1 Hand and Wrist Position ; 5.2 The Fingers ; 5.3 Dropping the Arm ; 5.4 Pushing the Arm Up ; 5.5 Reciprocal Vertical Motion ; 5.6 Vibration ; 5.7 Rotation ; 5.8 Circular Motion ; 5.9 Fingering and use of the Thumb ; Section 3: TEACHING ; Chapter 6 Arrau's Collaboration with Rafael De Silva: A Community of Learners ; Conclusion ; APPENDIX: LESSONS ; 1. Frederic Chopin: Ballade no. 2 in F major, Op. 38 ; mm. 1-46 ; mm. 38-83 ; mm. 79-170 ; mm. 169-end ; 2. Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in A-flat major, Op. 110 ; Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo ; Allegro molto ; Adagio ma non troppo ; Fuga - Allegro, ma non troppo ; 3. Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit ; Scarbo mm. 1-119 ; mm. 119-220 ; mm. 232-332 ; mm. 332-end ; 4. Maurice Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit ; Ondine mm. 1-41 ; mm. 41-49 ; mm. 49-70 ; mm. 70-80 ; 5. Ludwig van Beethoven: Fifteen Variations with Fugue, Op. 35 ; "Eroica" ; 6. Richard Strauss: Burleske, TrV 145 ; Bibliography ; Index
