What do you think?
Rate this book
The Piano: An Inspirational Guide to the Piano and Its Place in History
From its remarkable conception by Italian harpsichord maker Bartolomeo Cristofori in the 1690s and its evolution through the industrial revolution to mass production to the present day, the piano was guaranteed its popular appeal. At one time, not so long ago, you could find a piano in almost every home. Its flexibility for accompaniment, solo work, to lead an orchestra, as a tool for composers, or simply as a fine piece of furniture, is unrivalled among instruments - as is the claim that everyone is capable of playing something on a piano.
The Piano charts the instrument's historical development from its earliest days, revealing the close relationship famous composers had with particular makes. It also explores the anatomy of the piano in detail, and outlines what you should look for when choosing a piano of your own - upright or grand, new or secondhand. Finally, as the piano is far more sensitive to its environment than it looks, there is a section on caring for your piano and, for extreme cases, reconditioning, restoration, and rebuilding.
The Piano charts the instrument's historical development from its earliest days, revealing the close relationship famous composers had with particular makes. It also explores the anatomy of the piano in detail, and outlines what you should look for when choosing a piano of your own - upright or grand, new or secondhand. Finally, as the piano is far more sensitive to its environment than it looks, there is a section on caring for your piano and, for extreme cases, reconditioning, restoration, and rebuilding.
- GenresNonfiction
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
9 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 21, 2022
A wonderful study of the piano with lots of detail.
The narrative about the history of the piano as well as the technical discussions are wonderful.
The only drawback is that this first and only edition was published in 2002. It would be nice to see an updated edition where the Directory of Piano Makers is updated with current information. Many of the piano manufacturers listed are of course, still in business. But many are not and in the eleven years since this was published there are new manufacturers as well.
All in all a useful reference for pianists and enthusiasts of pianos. It could be handy if you are in the market for or are considering purchasing a piano. Though, as I stated above, the list of piano makers, while still somewhat useful, is eleven years out of date.
The narrative about the history of the piano as well as the technical discussions are wonderful.
The only drawback is that this first and only edition was published in 2002. It would be nice to see an updated edition where the Directory of Piano Makers is updated with current information. Many of the piano manufacturers listed are of course, still in business. But many are not and in the eleven years since this was published there are new manufacturers as well.
All in all a useful reference for pianists and enthusiasts of pianos. It could be handy if you are in the market for or are considering purchasing a piano. Though, as I stated above, the list of piano makers, while still somewhat useful, is eleven years out of date.
Displaying 1 of 1 review