The Cambridge Companion to the Piano

A Companion to the piano, one of the world's most popular instruments.

David Rowland (Edited by)

9780521479868, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 November 1998

260 pages, 39 b/w illus. 37 music examples
24.4 x 17 x 1.4 cm, 0.465 kg

'… a fascinating addition to an excellent series.' Reference Reviews

This collection of specially commissioned essays offers an accessible introduction to the history of the piano, performance styles, and its vast repertoire. Part 1 reviews the evolution of the piano, from its earliest forms up to the most recent developments, including the acoustics of the instrument. Part 2 explores the varied repertory in its social and stylistic contexts, including contemporary music, with a final chapter on jazz, blues and ragtime. The Companion also contains a glossary of important terms and will be a valuable source for the piano performer, student and enthusiast.

List of figures
List of music examples
Notes on the contributors
Acknowledgements
Bibliographical abbreviations and pitch notation
Introduction David Rowland
Part I. Pianos and Pianists: 1. The piano to c.1770 David Rowland
2. Pianos and pianists c.1770–c.1825 David Rowland
3. The piano since c.1825 David Rowland
4: The virtuoso tradition Kenneth Hamilton
5: Pianists on record in the early twentieth century Robert Philip
6. The acoustics of the piano Bernard Richardson
Part II. Repertory: 7. Repertory and canon Dorothy de Val and Cyril Ehrlich
8. The music of the early pianists (to c.1830) David Rowland
9. Piano music for concert hall and salon c.1830–1900 J. Barrie Jones
10. Nationalism J. Barrie Jones
11. New horizons in the twentieth century Mervyn Cooke
12. Ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music Brian Priestley
Glossary
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Keyboard instruments [AVRG]