Beethoven the Pianist

This book offers an insight into Beethoven's career, showing in well-documented detail the rise and decline of his powers as a performer.

Tilman Skowroneck (Author)

9780521119597, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 May 2010

286 pages, 3 b/w illus. 63 music examples
24.4 x 17 x 1.7 cm, 0.66 kg

'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

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.

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 Érard 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.

Subject Areas: Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH]