The Craft of Piano Playing

Reviews / Votes

Fraser supplements this second edition of his book (1st ed., CH, Dec'03, 41-2081) with a companion DVD (which must be purchased separately, from Maple Grove Music Productions). Not simply a minor expansion, this work shows Fraser's continued progress in perfecting and illustrating the physical skills necessary to play the piano with ease and comfort. The basic layout of the volume is the same: 3 large parts, 15 sections, 72 chapters, plus various appendixes--all to be used as a whole or in part. The author expands the book by including more illustrations, by providing the musical examples that are demonstrated on the DVD, and by adding some additional subchapters. It is obvious that Fraser is continually exploring the mysteries of piano performance, applying the new realizations to his own playing and teaching, and sharing these refinements with his readers. The DVD (produced in 2006) is made up of small illustrative chapters of each idea, with Fraser demonstrating and talking to the viewer as if he or she is in a lesson with him. The DVD is necessary to understand the written instructions and must be viewed as the reader progresses through each part. Inclusive music collections supporting study of the piano will want this book. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. * Choice Reviews * A valuable addition to performance studies, communicating some of the passion (rarely found in this and other areas of study) that the author feels for the music under discussion. * Music & Letters * Fraser fills his book with interesting observations, procedures, and thought-provoking personal concepts. Recommended. * Choice Reviews *