On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression

by György Sándor

Points out common errors pianists make, shows the correct way to play basic technical patterns, and gives exercises for improving coordination, strength, and flexibility.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Classical Music

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 1982

Reviews

[Abe Fabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, common sense approach to the piano which takes into account the ergonomics of human anatomy. His approach confirms my own intuition regarding piano playing which, sadly, my professors didn't really have the words to convey. This is why I rate this book to the maximum allowed by Goodreads.

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books ever written on the physical movements of piano playing. Well organized. Concise. Great illustrations. Academic.

[Charisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reference on important issues of piano-playing: technique, expression, interpretation, memorization, performing, etc. most of which I personally agree with.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, well-organized and concise deep dive into the physical specifics of piano technique. Full of musical examples to illustrate the concepts.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with good sense, and generously illustrated with musical examples, the book provides an excellent overview of the techniques needed to play the piano. It is no replacement for a teacher, and other books give less stilted accounts of playing, and, in doing so, better evoke the organic nature of music-making.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

intelligent and practical understanding of movements that create sound.

[The Literary Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, loving how reading the book and following his instructions with the exercises has improved my tone.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have definitely learnt a lot from Sandor’s book, as well as Neuhaus’. It’s written in such a lucid style, summarised points on the left hand side; Sandor has also signposted key examples from iconic piano literature. It requires rereading, as it references a lot of pieces that I’m yet to be familiar with.
Probably my biggest revelation of this year is that I could learn pianism from books written by pedagogues! It doesn’t sound perspicacious, I know I know: alas, have I been socially conditioned to liking spoon-feeding?
Wilde says ‘all art is useless’. I concur. The usefulness of art lies in its uselessness. I’ve got to read more about music and everything pertinent to music.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting approach, a little stuffy.