Kahn & Averill • London

Giving Voice to my Music

David Wordsworth

Twenty-four composers whose choral music is popular with amateur and professional choirs alike both in the UK and the US talk about their music,their inspirations, their passions and working through the pandemic of 2020/21 in these revealing interviews.

Memoirs of an Accompanist

Helmut Deutsch

During a career spanning more than 50 years, Helmut Deutsch has accompanied over 100 singers, including such artists as Ian Bostridge, Grace Bumbry, Diana Damrau, Brigitte Fassbaender, Jonas Kaufmann, Angelika Kirchschlager, Christoph Pregardien, Mauro Peter, Hermann Prey, Thomas Quasthoff, Yumiko S

Percussion Instruments and their History

James Blades Evelyn Glennie Neil Percy

For many years, James Blades's famous book has been referred to as the percussionist's bible. It is established as the definitive reference work on the subject. Last updated by the author in 2005 and now back in print, this extended edition includes two additional chapters. The first covers the ris

Listening through the lens

Nupen, Christopher

BAFTA-AWARD winning documentary-maker, Christopher Nupen has made more than 80 films on classical music and musicians. His pioneering portrait-films count among their subjects Daniel Barenboim, Jacqueline du Pre, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Nathan Milstein, Andres Segovia,

Valentin Berlinsky; A Quartet for Life

Maria Matalaev

Valentin Berlinsky (1925-2008), was a founding member of the Borodin Quartet and its cellist and mainstay for more than six decades. A proud Russian but also a man of compromise, his was a life lived for and through the Borodin Quartet. This book tells his story in his own words, lovingly compiled a

Béla Bartók: An Analysis of his Music

Ernő Lendvai

Ernő Lendvai was one of the first music theorists to write on the appearance of the golden ratio and Fibonacci series and how these are implemented throughout Bartók's compositions.This analysis remains one of the most important works studying Bartók's music.

The Art of Piano Playing

Heinrich Neuhaus

Neuhaus taught at the Moscow Conservatory and his pupils included some of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century: Emil Gilels, Sviatoslav Richter, Nina Svetlanova, Alexei Lubimov and Radu Lupu. His legacy continues today and many teachers around the world regard this book as the most authori

The Russian Piano School

Christopher Barnes

Moscow and its Conservatoire was long, perhaps still is, the heart of Russian pianism. Its graduates range through Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Medtner, Richter, Gilels, Ashkenazy, Pletnev and beyond. Prof. Christopher Barnes, a professor of Slavic languages at the University of Toronto, has translated hi

Chopin: A Graded Practical Guide

Eleanor Bailie

This book is illustrated with copious musical examples and gives a complete survey of Chopin's music for solo piano, including a graded list of his works, together with detailed and constructive suggestions for study and performance. An extended introduction places Chopin in the context of his time,

Francis Poulenc: The Man and his Songs

Pierre Bernac

Pierre Bernac aimed in this book to pass on his personal understanding of the songs of Francis Poulenc as well as a little of their mutual experience in interpreting and performing them. He has thereby left a unique record whose importance cannot be overestimated. Each of the 137 poems is annotated

Cello

William Pleeth

This volume is an introduction to cello playing by an outstanding recitalist, soloist and teacher of international repute whose natural wish - as a teacher - would be to sing, play and show what he means. But a devoted pupil, Nona Pyron, herself a figure of some authority in the world of the cello,

Mozart and the Pianist

Michael Davidson

All the sonatas, fantasies, rondi, as well as the most important variation sets and assorted pieces are included. Michael Davidson guides us through each composition addressing specific aspects and problems, offering practical advice and interesting alternatives as well as historical background and

The Interpretation of French Song

Pierre Bernac

Detailing the understanding and performance of French song, famous French baritone Pierre Bernac provides insight in this book for singers, accompanists, and concert-goers. Teamed with composer Francis Poulenc for more than 25 years, Bernac and Poulenc became a legend and one of the first duos to be

Bach: 263 Settings of 73 Chorale Melodies

Mary Phillips Webster

In this edition, each chorale extends across a double-page spread with different settings of the same melody accurately and conveniently laid one below another for comparison and analysis. Sources, explanatory comments and, in some cases, the texts of the hymns accompany each setting.

A Basic Countertenor Method

Peter Giles

Designed for both the teacher and student, this guide provides a complete review of techniques used in countertenor singing. With illustrated diagrams and exercises, the vital aspects of resonance, different registers, breathing, and vocal agility are all explored.

A Rebel in Music

Hanns Eisler

This is a reprint of the collection of Eisler's writings in English, first published in 1978. For Eisler the written word was very important and people paid tribute to his mind, quickness of thought, wit and breadth of cultural knowledge. It includes lectures and articles on "Problems of Working-Cla

Adorno, Modernism and Mass Culture

Max Paddison

In examining the work of Theodor Adorno, this collection of essays focuses on the German philosopher's ideas in the field of musicology. Though it addresses complex theories, this inquiry maintains a lucid style, describing the nuances of Adorno's thought while not relying on a great deal of prior k

Alkan: The Man/The Music

Ronald Smith

The definitive book on Alkan. Originally published in two volumes, the first (Alkan the Man) dealt with the composer's life, background and personality while the second (Alkan the Music) reviewed and analysed the composer's considerable output. This extensively revised reprint in one volume encompas

American Minimal Music

Wim Mertens

The music of Terry Riley, La Monte Young, Steve Reich and Philip Glass are dealt with in this book, and an ideological and historical background to minimal music is also provided.

At the Piano with Fauré

Marguerite Long

The French pianist, Marguerite Long, was closely associated with the music of Gabriel Fauré and became a favourite interpreter of his music. She studied and worked for a decade alongside the composer and dedicated her long and successful career to the promotion of his music.

Bach: Chorale Harmonization/Instrumental Counterpoint

Malcolm Boyd

Malcolm Boyd's lucid text investigates how often various chords and progressions occur, in what contexts and (where possible) for what reasons. Following methods known to have been adopted by Bach himself, the exercises are graded in such a way as to encourage the student to develop both technique a

Bassoon

William Waterhouse

This book gives detailed and authoritative guidance on the mastery of this rewarding instrument. It is a practical manual offering beginner and expert alike a thorough and systematic treatment of every aspect of performance. There are many parts of the body employed in playing the bassoon - abdomen,

Bernard Stevens & His Music

Bertha Stevens

Contributors to this text on Bernard Stevens's work include Alan Bush, Michael Finnissy and Malcolm Lipkin.

Canonic Studies

Bernhard Ziehn

Ziehn (1845-1912) develops his theory of counterpoint. Key notions are: (i) inversion, in a 'real' rather than tonal, procedure, which often requires all twelve semitones and is not fixed to any particular key and (ii) canon - Ziehn saw imitation as a primary source of musical ideas. Ziehn was great

Carl Nielsen: Symphonist

Robert Simpson

This work deals with Nielsen's symphonies and other works, and also compares Nielsen and Sibelius as symphonists.

Clarinet

Jack Brymer

For any serious clarinet player, this book is an absolute must.

Conductors in Conversation

Robert Chesterman

In this re-edited edition, Robert Chesterman's interviews with conductors as celebrated as Leonard Bernstein, Claudio Abbado and Herbert von Karajan present fresh insights into their individual characters, their personal ideologies and their practical approaches - and in many cases, their private li

Diary of My Songs

Francis Poulenc

Many of Francis Poulenc's songs are verses by 20th-century French poets set to music, and this diary is an answer to what the composer felt were frequent misinterpretations of his work. To set the record straight, Poulenc describes the origins of each song, comments on performances, offers guideline

Early Music

Denis Stevens

Although 'Early Music' as a term of reference has now replaced 'ancient', 'old', or 'pre-classical', performance issues remain much the same as before. This book offers fresh solutions for singers, players and directors.

Flute

James Galway

Who better to write an authoritative yet fascinating introduction to flute playing than James Galway whose glittering career extends from principal flute in the Berlin Philharmonic to the top of the international pop music charts? His unique advice and experience is brought to bear on the problems a

French Pianism

Charles Timbrell

The undisputed preeminence of Paris as a centre of the piano world dates from the early 19th century, and the rigorous professors of the Paris Conservatoire transmitted the characteristic French piano style faithfully to each new generation for some 150 years.

Fromental Halévy

Ruth Jordan

Jordan paints a rich portrait of Halévy at the height of his powers in the mid-1850s. A prolific output included at least one new opera a year, occasionally three...he was renowned as a productive public speaker, author of learned papers...a supporter of young artists, much loved professor of

Frontiers of Meaning - 3 Informal Lectures on Music

Charles Rosen

What does it mean to understand music? What, if anything, does music mean? Composers, performers, listeners, and academics may answer these questions differently, but what sense of music do they share? When music seems unfamiliar or unlike anything we have heard before, we may say that we don't like

Great Pianists and Pedagogues in Conversation with Carola Grindea

Carola Grindea

Carola Grindea interviews over 40 of the greatest pianists and piano teachers of the 20th century in this unique book. The contributors provide fascinating comments about their experiences, their first encounters with the piano, and their lives as performers and teachers. Filled with the musical ide

Haydn: A Graded Practical Guide

Eleanor Bailie

Discussing the solo piano music of Joseph Haydn, the leading composer of the Classical period, this complete survey includes a graded list of all of these works as well as detailed and constructive suggestions for study and performance. A lengthy introduction discusses the life, times, and the essen

Horn

Barry Tuckwell

Barry Tuckwell, until his retirement, was one of the world's leading horn virtuosos and thus eminently suited to writing this Yehudi Menuhin Music Guide. This versatile musician combines a soloist's experience, an orchestral player's inside knowledge and a conductor's broad view of the horn and its

Italian 20th Century Music

Michael D Webb

Offers an overview of Italian music of the modern era dealing with the composers and the music they wrote. This book includes full bibliographical references and an index.

Janáček: Leaves from his Life

Vilém and Margaret Tauský

Description coming soon

John Foulds and His Music

Malcolm MacDonald

Malcom MacDonald was the unimpeachable authority on the music of John Foulds, a Mancunian who moved to India in the 1930s and was then largely forgotten. The revival of interest in Foulds' music began with this detailed study of his life and works.

Lipatti

Dragos Tanasescu and Grigore Bargauanu

This publication is a valuable foundation from which to understand the complete devotion and musicianship of one of the most gifted pianist/composers, the world has ever heard. Much of this book is devoted to understanding Dinu Lipatti's music, his teaching, composing and those important in his musi

Music of India

Reginald and Jamila Massey

The classical music of the India-Pakistan-Bangladesh subcontinent is one of the ancient art forms still widely practised today. This book will be invaluable to the student and specialist alike. In his foreword, Ravi Shankar, recommends this book to all who wish to be introduced to India's music, her

My Viola and I

Lionel Tertis

Tertis's autobiography includes chapters on the beauty of tone in string playing and the Tertis model viola.

Not Pulling Strings

Joseph O'Connor

One of the few publications to apply neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques to teaching music, this informative guide provides practical applications for accelerating the learning process and breaking self-defeating behaviors. Focusing on the structure of musical talent, this useful book offe

Oboe

Leon Goossens and Edwin Roxburgh

Comprehensive view of this magnificent instrument - an enjoyable read

Organ

Arthur Wills

Description coming soon

Percussion

James Holland

Description coming soon

Pianists at Play

Dean Elder

Contains interviews, master lessons and technical regimes from the following great pianists: Adele Marcus; Aleksander Slobodyanik; Alfred Cortot; Arthur Rubinstein; Cecile Genhart; Claudio Arrau; Gaby Casadesus; Garrick Ohisson; Gina Bachauer; Guiomar Novaes; Jeanne-Marie Darre; Jorg Demus; Jorge Bo

Piano

Louis Kentner

Description coming soon

Ravel According to Ravel

Vlado Perlemuter

Vlado Perlemuter had the privilege of studying all Ravel's solo piano music with the reclusive composer himself. The origins of this book lie in a series of programmes broadcast in 1950 by Radio Francaise in which Perlemuter played all Ravel's compositions for solo piano and discussed them with Hele

Sascha Lasserson: Portrait of a Teacher

Michael Lasserson

Sascha Lasserson came to London from Russia in 1914 and stayed on to become one of the greatest piano teachers in the country. This book, an affectionate composite portrait of him by his pupils, describes him not only as a teacher but also as man and artist. It also provides fascinating portraits of

Saxophone

Paul Harvey

Description coming soon

Schubert & Friendship

Michael Davidson and Henk Hillenaar

Description coming soon

Schubert & Mayrhofer

Michael Davidson and Henk Hillenaar

Schubert wrote approximately 650 songs, based on poems by some 110 authors. Goethe led this formidable list, but after Goethe, came Johann Mayrhofer, now a totally forgotten poet. Schubert set 47 songs and two operas to Mayrhofer's writings. Here, each song and the two operas are discussed within mu

Tensions in Performance of Music

Ed. Carola Grindea

Professor Carola Grindea was one of Britain's most influential piano teachers, whose concern for the stress on players led her to found the International Society for Study of Tension in Performance. The contributors to this text are Grindea (piano), Havas (strings), Tausky (conducting), Nieman (comp

The Classical Piano Sonata

Michael Davidson

This detailed look at 14 sonatas casts new light on some of the most masterful pieces written for the piano and on their famous composers. Each composer's style and the intangible qualities that differentiate Haydn from Mozart, Beethoven from Schubert, and Liszt from Brahms are discussed.

The Pianists' Talent

Harold Taylor

Harold Taylor graduated from the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the RNCM) and then studied in Paris under Thiberge and Alfred Cortot. His knowledge of pianism and pianists was encyclopaedic and he brought to his teaching both expertise and a sympathetic understanding. This book draws on a co

Trumpet

Crispian Steele-Perkins

Description coming soon

Turning the Pages

Robert Brouwer

These recollections reveal the story of music aficionado Robert Brouwer, who never lost the love of music that was born when he landed a job as a small boy turning pages for some of the 20th century's finest musicians. Brouwer describes the remarkable autograph collection he gathered at the Concertg

Unlocking Your Voice: Freedom to Sing

Esther Salaman

Esther Salaman's singing career started in 1940 with regular concerts and broadcasts. She then moved into teaching during which she evolved a distinctive method which many singers - some now famous - have found invaluable in developing their voices. Her book covers every aspect of voice production.

Varèse: Astronomer in Sound

Malcolm MacDonald

The works of Edgard Varèse represent the most radical expression of 20th-century modernism in music. A friend of Debussy, Strauss, and Busoni, he lived to become the conscience of modern American music and a colleague of Cage, Boulez, and Xenakis. This intensive study of Varèse's music

Violin and Viola

Yehudi Menuhin and William Primrose

Yehudi Menuhin shares with the reader his unique store of understanding about the violin, about how to exercise and practise, and about the techniques of performance. His reflections on the nature and scope of his instrument are profoundly illuminating and his theories on interpretation particularly

Voice

Keith Falkner

A collection of essays by various authors regarding the voice; topics include physiology, training, and songs of various nations.