A fascinating look at the technique of world-renowned pianists from the last three centuries

Famous Pianists and Their Technique has been a standard in the field since its first publication in 1974. This widely used and acclaimed history of piano technical thought includes insights into the techniques of masters such as C.P.E. Bach, Bartók, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Clementi, Czerny, Debussy, Godowsky, Horowitz, Levinskaya, Leschetizky, the Lhevinnes, Liszt, Mozart, Prokofiev, Ravel, Rubinstein, and Schubert, among others.

Called "the bible of piano technique" by Maurice Hinson, this book is a comprehensive resource for the student, teacher, and professional pianist who seek to discover the secrets of how the immortal professional pianists developed and polished their mechanical and musical technique. This expanded edition contains a foreword by Alan Walker, a new preface, and multiple new appendices.

"

. . . [a] classic study of keyboard technique . . . .

"

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. . . .

"

. . . 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.

"

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

"

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