The widely held belief that Beethoven was a rough pianist, impatient with his instruments, is not altogether accurate: it is influenced by anecdotes dating from when deafness had begun to impair his playing. Presenting a detailed biography of Beethoven's formative years, this book reviews the composer's early career, outlining how he was influenced by teachers, theorists and instruments. Skowroneck describes the development and decline of Beethoven's pianism, and pays special attention to early pianos, their construction and their importance for Beethoven and the modern pianist. The book also includes discussions of legato and Beethoven's trills, and a complete annotated review of eyewitnesses' reports about his playing. Skowroneck presents a revised picture of Beethoven which traces his development from an impetuous young musician into a virtuoso in command of many musical resources.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'This book is essential reading for anyone who wants the latest research on Beethoven's piano playing, plus a comprehensive collection of all the significant documentation relating to this subject. There should be a copy in every major library and on the bookshelves of all pianists who wish to play Beethoven's music in the way he envisaged.' Barry Cooper, University of Manchester
Reihe
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Illustrationen
63 Printed music items; 3 Line drawings, black and white
Maße
Höhe: 250 mm
Breite: 175 mm
Dicke: 20 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-521-11959-7 (9780521119597)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Tilman Skowroneck is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southampton, and is also a freelance harpsichordist and fortepianist. His main area of interest is the early piano, its construction and its repertoire. This is his first book.
Introduction; Part I. Beethoven, his Playing and his Instruments: 1. Beethoven's early training; 2. Beethoven the pianist; 3. Beethoven's first decade in Vienna; 4. The 1803 Erard Grand Piano; Part II. Sound Ideal and Performance: 5. The builder's influence; 6. The player's influence; Part III. Sound Ideal, Notation and Stylistic Change: 7. Common touch and legato; 8. The performance of Beethoven's trills; Epilogue; Bibliography.
