The Great Pianists

The Great Pianists chronicles the history of piano performance from Mozart through the 20th century, focusing on key performers who shaped the art form. Through detailed accounts and research, Schonberg examines both the musical contributions and personal lives of history's most significant pianists. The book traces the evolution of piano technique, interpretation, and performance practice across different eras and piano schools. Significant attention is given to the technological development of the piano itself and how these advances influenced playing styles and repertoire. Each chapter provides historical context while profiling major artists like Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Horowitz, incorporating contemporary accounts and criticism from their time periods. Schonberg draws from primary sources including letters, reviews, and personal testimonies to construct these musical portraits. The work stands as both a comprehensive reference and a study of how individual artistry and broader cultural forces have shaped classical piano performance. Through its examination of key figures and movements, the book reveals patterns in how musical interpretation and audience expectations have evolved over centuries.

Readers value this book as a comprehensive history of piano performance and teaching traditions. Many note its detailed coverage of evolving playing styles from the 1800s to modern times, with particular appreciation for the vivid portraits of major pianists. Readers highlight the accessible writing style and Schonberg's ability to explain technical aspects to non-musicians. Multiple reviews mention the book's usefulness as both a reference work and engaging narrative. Common criticisms include: - Too much focus on anecdotes over musical analysis - Occasional bias in evaluating certain pianists - Limited coverage of contemporary performers - Some factual errors in dates and details Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 reviews) One reader noted: "Schonberg brings these historical figures to life through their quirks, rivalries and innovations." Another criticized: "The author's personal preferences sometimes overshadow objective assessment."

The Lives of the Great Composers by Harold C. Schonberg The companion volume to his pianists book traces the lives and works of music's master composers through documented facts and historical records.

Artists and Their Music by David Dubal This collection presents interviews and discussions with twentieth-century pianists about their approach to music and performance practice.

Piano Notes: The World of the Pianist by Charles Rosen A concert pianist provides insights into the technical, historical, and artistic elements of piano playing from the performer's perspective.

The Art of Piano Playing by Heinrich Neuhaus The teacher of Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels shares his methods and philosophy of piano technique and musicianship.

Piano Roles: Three Hundred Years of Life with the Piano by James Parakilas This history chronicles the piano's evolution through its technical development, social impact, and cultural significance from 1700 to present.

🎹 Harold C. Schonberg was the first music critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (1971) 🎹 The book traces 300 years of piano history, from Bach's time to the modern era, and includes profiles of over 100 notable pianists 🎹 Many of the earliest pianists discussed in the book, including Mozart and Beethoven, actually performed on instruments quite different from modern pianos - often using harpsichords or fortepianos 🎹 Schonberg interviewed numerous 20th-century pianists personally for the book, including Vladimir Horowitz and Arthur Rubinstein, providing intimate firsthand accounts of their techniques and personalities 🎹 The book has remained continuously in print since its first publication in 1963 and is considered a definitive text in music conservatories worldwide