Piano Notes by Charles Rosen

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About Charles Rosen

Biography

Piano Notes

The Hidden World of the Pianist

» Charles Rosen

Penguin
Paperback : 27 May 2004
0 - years

£9.99

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'Lively ... constantly surprising ... written with clarity and wit. No one who has ever listened to classical pianists could fail to have his or her pleasure enhanced'
Simon Callow, Guardian, Books of the Year

Synopsis

In this eloquent, intimate exploration of the delights and demands of the piano, world-renowned concert pianist and music writer Charles Rosen draws on a lifetime’s wisdom to consider every aspect of the instrument: from what makes a beautiful sound to suffering from stage fright, from the physical challenges of playing to tales of great musicians, including Vladimir Horowitz’s recording tricks, Rachmaninov’s hands and why Arthur Rubenstein applied hairspray to the keys. Gracefully blending anecdote, history, expertise and memoir, Piano Notes will enchant anyone with a passion for music.

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Critic Review:

‘If there is a better or more controversial book than this about the art and practice of playing the piano, I do not know it’
Michael Kennedy, Sunday Telegraph

‘Enthralling … It’s a rare pleasure to find a book that expresses the subtlest insights in a tone of such genial humanity’
Ivan Hewett, Daily Telegraph

‘Dazzling … wise and witty … there are few more stimulating writers on music than Charles Rosen’
Bryce Morrison, Gramophone

‘One of the most intellectually rigorous pianists and brilliant music historians alive today … anyone with an interest in the mechanics and poetry of playing an instrument will value Rosen as a guide and take hope and inspiration from the wisdom in his book’
Economist

‘If your shelves have room for one volume about the piano, Piano Notes is the book of choice … required reading for any lover of the performing arts’
Robert Winter, New York Review of Books