Description
Louis Kentner covers all aspects of the piano in this comprehensive and fascinating dissertation. As well as practical material there are pages of instruction on technique including a chapter on the use of the pedal, some hints on singing tone and legato, advice on practising, and a do-it-yourself guide to basic tuning. Kentner provides a penetrating analysis of much of Chopin’s and Liszt’s piano music and contributes a unique and detailed study of Beethoven’s thirty-two piano sonatas. The book includes some selected further reading and a discography.
About the Author
Louis Kentner studied as a musician at the Royal Academy of Music in Budapest with Arnold Székely (piano), Hans Koessler and Zoltán Kodály (composition), and Leo Weiner (chamber music), commenced his concert career at the age of 15 and won a Liszt Prize in Budapest. In 1935 he moved to England giving many radio and concert performances. He was President of the British Liszt Society and a director of the Menuhin School of Music.
Contents
Introduction by Yehudi Menuhin
A Letter, by Way of Introduction
1. Apology, by Way of Further Introduction
Part One – Understanding the Piano
2. The Instrument
3. The Structure of the Piano
4. Equal Temperament and Tuning
5. A Little Bit of History
Part Two – Playing the Piano
6. Aspects of Technique
7. On Pedalling, Considered as a Fine Art
8. Two ‘Fallacies’: Singing Tone and Legato
9. Intermezzo One: On Teachers and Teaching
10. Intermezzo Two: On Practising
11. The Piano Combined with Other Instruments
12. A Note on Mechanical Reproduction
Part Three – The Great Pianoforte Composers
13. Beethoven
14. Chopin
15. Liszt
16……And After
Epilogue
Some selected further reading
Index
Reviews
This is a rare privilege, and one which will be rewarding not only to any music-lover, amateur or professional, but also – such is the quality of this book in terms of human and civil value – to even the casual reader who is curious to understand the mysteries of music and the artist’s mind, the sensitive heart and the disciplined hands that make music possible.
Yehudi Menuhin
Every idea expressed is lucid and profound … this book should be in the library of every pianist, amateur or professional, and every music-lover should possess it for reference and refreshment.
Fanny Waterman – Music Journal
The best book on the piano to ever come my way … there is something to be learned from every page, and one feels oneself in the company not only of a great pianist and teacher, but of a great human being.
Ernest Bradbury – Music and Musicians
Rather like having a conversation with a wise and experienced master.
Edward Greenfield – The Guardian
