How The Great Pianists by Harold C Schoenberg Can Improve Your Piano Skills
Harold C Schoenberg The Great Pianists Pdf 27
If you are a piano enthusiast, you probably have heard of Harold C Schoenberg and his famous book The Great Pianists. This book is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and authoritative histories of piano playing and pianists ever written. It covers the lives and works of more than 300 pianists from the 18th century to the present day, with detailed analyses of their styles, techniques, and personalities.
Harold C Schoenberg The Great Pianists Pdf 27
In this article, we will give you an overview of who Harold C Schoenberg was, what his book The Great Pianists is about, and why it is a must-read for anyone who loves the piano. We will also summarize the main chapters of the book and give you some tips on how to get a copy of The Great Pianists Pdf 27, which is the latest edition of this classic work. Finally, we will share with you some benefits of reading this book and how it can help you improve your piano skills.
Introduction
Who was Harold C Schoenberg?
Harold C Schoenberg (1915-2003) was an American music critic and writer who worked for The New York Times for more than four decades. He was also a pianist himself and studied with some of the best teachers in his time. He wrote several books on music history and criticism, but his most famous and influential work was The Great Pianists, which he first published in 1963 and revised several times until 1999.
Schoenberg was known for his witty and engaging style of writing, as well as his extensive knowledge and insight into the world of piano playing. He was not afraid to express his opinions and preferences, sometimes controversially, but always with respect and admiration for the artists he discussed. He also had a keen sense of humor and often included anecdotes and anecdotes about the pianists he wrote about.
What is The Great Pianists?
The Great Pianists is a book that traces the history of piano playing from its origins to the modern era. It covers more than 300 pianists from different countries, schools, and genres. It divides them into three main parts: the golden age (from the 18th century to the late 19th century), the modern era (from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century), and the contemporary scene (from the late 20th century to the present day).
The book is not a mere chronology of facts and dates, but a lively and fascinating narrative that explores the personalities, backgrounds, influences, achievements, and challenges of each pianist. It also examines their musical styles, techniques, interpretations, and innovations. It compares and contrasts them with their peers and predecessors, and evaluates their contributions and legacy to the art of piano playing.
Why is this book important for piano lovers?
This book is important for piano lovers because it offers a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the history and evolution of piano playing and pianists. It introduces the reader to a wide range of pianists, from the famous and celebrated to the obscure and forgotten. It reveals the secrets and mysteries behind their artistry and mastery. It also provides a rich source of inspiration, information, and education for anyone who wants to learn more about the piano and its performers.
The Great Pianists: A Summary
Part One: The Golden Age
The First Virtuosos: Clementi, Cramer, Hummel
The first part of the book begins with the pioneers of piano playing in the 18th century, who established the foundations of the instrument and its technique. These include Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), Johann Baptist Cramer (1771-1858), and Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837). These pianists were not only performers, but also composers, teachers, and manufacturers of pianos. They developed the sonata form, the finger technique, and the expressive potential of the piano. They also influenced many of the later pianists, such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt.
The Romantic Giants: Chopin, Liszt, Schumann
The next chapter focuses on the romantic giants of piano playing in the 19th century, who revolutionized the instrument and its repertoire. These include Frederic Chopin (1810-1849), Franz Liszt (1811-1886), and Robert Schumann (1810-1856). These pianists were not only virtuosos, but also poets, philosophers, and visionaries. They expanded the technical and musical possibilities of the piano, creating new forms, genres, and styles. They also expressed their emotions, passions, and ideals through their music. They were admired and imitated by many of the later pianists, such as Brahms, Rubinstein, and Horowitz.
The Classical Revivalists: Brahms, Rubinstein, Clara Schumann
The final chapter of this part deals with the classical revivalists of piano playing in the late 19th century, who restored the balance and order of the instrument and its literature. These include Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894), and Clara Schumann (1819-1896). These pianists were not only musicians, but also scholars, educators, and promoters of classical music. They preserved and revived the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. They also created new works that combined classical forms with romantic elements. They were respected and revered by many of the later pianists, such as Busoni, Rachmaninoff, and Gould.
Part Two: The Modern Era
The Russian School: Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Prokofiev
The second part of the book moves on to the modern era of piano playing in the early 20th century, which was dominated by the Russian school. These include Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915), and Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953). These pianists were not only composers, but also revolutionaries, and exiles. They created new sounds, colors, and harmonies for the piano, reflecting their turbulent times and personal visions. They also challenged and inspired many of the later pianists, such as Horowitz, Richter, and Gilels.
The French School: Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc
The next chapter examines the French school of piano playing in the early 20th century, which was characterized by the impressionist and neoclassical styles. These include Claude Debussy (1862-1918), Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), and Francis Poulenc (1899-1963). These pianists were not only impressionists, also innovators, experimenters, and humorists. They created new textures, rhythms, and melodies for the piano, reflecting their artistic sensibilities and cultural influences. They also influenced and enriched many of the later pianists, such as Gieseking, Cortot, and Michelangeli.
The American School: Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein
The final chapter of this part explores the American school of piano playing in the early 20th century, which was marked by the jazz and folk influences. These include George Gershwin (1898-1937), Aaron Copland (1900-1990), and Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). These pianists were not only jazzmen, but also composers, conductors, and educators. They created new works that blended classical and popular music for the piano, reflecting their diverse backgrounds and musical tastes. They also inspired and supported many of the later pianists, such as Gould, Previn, and Thibaudet.
Part Three: The Contemporary Scene
The Virtuoso Tradition: Horowitz, Richter, Argerich
The third part of the book covers the contemporary scene of piano playing in the late 20th century and the early 21st century, which was characterized by the virtuoso tradition. These include Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989), Sviatoslav Richter (1915-1997), and Martha Argerich (1941-). These pianists were not only virtuosos, but also legends, icons, and celebrities. They displayed extraordinary technical and musical skills for the piano, reflecting their individual personalities and temperaments. They also amazed and delighted many of the later pianists, such as Kissin, Volodos, and Lang Lang.
The Scholarly Tradition: Gould, Brendel, Schiff
The next chapter discusses the scholarly tradition of piano playing in the late 20th century and the early 21st century, which was distinguished by the intellectual approach. These include Glenn Gould (1932-1982), Alfred Brendel (1931-), and Andras Schiff (1953-). These pianists were not only scholars, but also analysts, critics, and lecturers. They displayed profound knowledge and insight into the piano repertoire, reflecting their rigorous research and study. They also enlightened and educated many of the later pianists, such as Perahia, Uchida, and Lewis.
The Eclectic Tradition: Jarrett, Zimerman, Tharaud
The final chapter of this part examines the eclectic tradition of piano playing in the late 20th century and the early 21st century, which was marked by the diversity and versatility. These include Keith Jarrett (1945-), Krystian Zimerman (1956-), and Alexandre Tharaud (1968-). These pianists were not only eclectics, but also improvisers, collaborators, and explorers. They displayed a wide range of styles, genres, and influences for the piano, reflecting their creative curiosity and openness. They also surprised and challenged many of the later pianists, such as Andsnes, Trifonov, and Wang.
Conclusion
How to get a copy of The Great Pianists Pdf 27?
If you are interested in getting a copy of The Great Pianists Pdf 27, which is the latest edition of this book with updated information and illustrations, you have several options. You can buy it online from various websites, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository. You can also download it for free from some online libraries, such as Archive.org, Open Library, or Project Gutenberg. However, be aware that some of these sources may not have the most recent or complete version of the book, so check carefully before downloading.
What are the benefits of reading this book?
There are many benefits of reading this book for anyone who loves the piano and its performers. Some of them are:
You will learn about the history and evolution of piano playing and pianists from the 18th century to the present day.
You will discover the lives and works of more than 300 pianists from different countries, schools, and genres.
You will understand the styles, techniques, interpretations, and innovations of each pianist and how they influenced and inspired others.
You will appreciate the artistry and mastery of each pianist and how they expressed their emotions, passions, and ideals through their music.
You will find a rich source of inspiration, information, and education for your own piano playing and enjoyment.
How to improve your piano skills with this book?
Reading this book can also help you improve your piano skills in various ways. Some of them are:
You will develop a broader and deeper knowledge of the piano repertoire and its composers.
You will expand your musical horizons and tastes by exploring new works, genres, and styles.
You will enhance your technical and musical abilities by studying and practicing the works of the great pianists.
You will refine your own style and interpretation by comparing and contrasting the different approaches of the great pianists.
You will cultivate your own personality and expression by finding your own voice and vision in your piano playing.
As you can see, this book is a treasure trove of information, insight, and inspiration for anyone who loves the piano and its performers. It is a book that you can read, enjoy, and learn from for a lifetime. It is a book that you should not miss if you want to become a better pianist and a better listener.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this book and their answers:
Q: Who is the target audience of this book?
A: This book is suitable for anyone who is interested in piano playing and pianists, regardless of their level, age, or background. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an advanced player, whether you are a student, a teacher, or a professional, whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, you will find something valuable and enjoyable in this book.
Q: How long does it take to read this book?
A: This book is quite long and dense, with more than 600 pages and 300 pianists. It is not a book that you can finish in one sitting or even in one week. It is a book that you can read at your own pace and according to your own interest. You can read it from cover to cover, or you can skip to the chapters or sections that appeal to you. You can also use it as a reference book, looking up specific pianists or topics whenever you need or want to.
Q: How accurate and reliable is this book?
A: This book is based on extensive research and documentation by the author, who was a respected music critic and writer. He consulted many sources, such as books, articles, reviews, interviews, recordings, and personal observations. He also revised and updated his book several times to reflect the latest developments and discoveries in the field. However, this book is not a definitive or objective account of piano playing and pianists. It is a personal and subjective account that reflects the author's opinions and preferences. Therefore, you may not agree with everything he says or writes, but you can still respect his views and learn from his insights.
Q: How relevant and useful is this book today?
A: This book is still relevant and useful today, even though it was first published more than half a century ago. It covers the history and evolution of piano playing and pianists from the 18th century to the present day, which is still valid and valuable for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the art of piano playing. It also introduces many pianists who are still active and influential today, such as Argerich, Brendel, Schiff, Jarrett, Zimerman, Tharaud, etc. It also provides many tips and suggestions on how to improve your piano skills with this book, which are still applicable and helpful today.
Q: Where can I find more information about this book or the author?
A: You can find more information about this book or the author on various websites, such as Wikipedia, Goodreads, or Amazon. You can also find some reviews, interviews, or articles about this book or the author on some online magazines, such as The New York Times, The Guardian, or The Telegraph. You can also watch some videos or listen to some podcasts about this book or the author on some online platforms, such as YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. 71b2f0854b