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The Pianist's Guide to Historic Improvisation
Keyboard artists in the time of J.S. Bach were simultaneously performers, composers, and improvisers. By the twentieth century, however, the art of improvisation was all but lost. Today, vanishingly few classically-trained musicians can improvise with fluent, stylistic integrity. Many now question the system of training that leaves players dependent upon the printed page, and would welcome a new approach to musicianship that would enable modern performers to recapture the remarkable creative freedom of a bygone era.
The Pianist's Guide to Historic Improvisation opens a pathway of musical discovery as the reader learns to improvise with confidence and joy. Useful as either a college-level textbook or a guide for independent study, the book is eminently practical. Author John Mortensen explains even the most complex ideas in a lucid, conversational tone, accompanied by hundreds of musical examples. Mortensen pairs every concept with hands-on exercises for step-by-step practice of each skill. Professional-level virtuosity is not required; players of moderate skill can manage the material. Suitable for professionals, conservatory students, and avid amateurs, The Pianist's Guide leads to mastery of improvisational techniques at the Baroque keyboard.
The Pianist's Guide to Historic Improvisation opens a pathway of musical discovery as the reader learns to improvise with confidence and joy. Useful as either a college-level textbook or a guide for independent study, the book is eminently practical. Author John Mortensen explains even the most complex ideas in a lucid, conversational tone, accompanied by hundreds of musical examples. Mortensen pairs every concept with hands-on exercises for step-by-step practice of each skill. Professional-level virtuosity is not required; players of moderate skill can manage the material. Suitable for professionals, conservatory students, and avid amateurs, The Pianist's Guide leads to mastery of improvisational techniques at the Baroque keyboard.
- GenresMusic
220 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 8, 2021
This should be given to any classical pianist going to university. The techniques, how're they're explained, how they build upon one another, are perfectly set out. By about halfway, where I am, you can hear the roots of real exciting music happening.
Not for the faint of heart when it comes to theory. To properly get through this book and master everything would take an experienced player many years if not a lifetime.
I'd be interested to know with a future book how improvisation was in the romantic period before it died out. Further, it'd also be interesting to know how this baroque-ish improvisation method could fit in with 20th century styles and beyond.
p.s. the formatting/editing can be mildly dodgey - having a sentence cut off and then continue a few pages later inbetween all the examples, etc.
Not for the faint of heart when it comes to theory. To properly get through this book and master everything would take an experienced player many years if not a lifetime.
I'd be interested to know with a future book how improvisation was in the romantic period before it died out. Further, it'd also be interesting to know how this baroque-ish improvisation method could fit in with 20th century styles and beyond.
p.s. the formatting/editing can be mildly dodgey - having a sentence cut off and then continue a few pages later inbetween all the examples, etc.
Displaying 1 of 1 review