Product Description

This is the first English paperback edition of the unique collection of documents, edited and annotated by Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger, which reveal Chopin as teacher and interpreter of his own music. From the accounts of his pupils, acquaintances and contemporaries, together with his own writing, we gain valuable insight into Chopin’s pianistic and stylistic practice, his teaching methods and his aesthetic beliefs. The documents are divided into two categories: those concerning technique and style, two notions inseparable in Chopin’s mind, and those concerning the interpretation of Chopin’s works. Extensive appendix material presents, for the first time in English, Chopin’s essay ‘Sketch for a method’, as well as annotated scores belonging to Chopin’s pupils and acquaintances, and personal accounts of Chopin’s playing as experienced by his contemporaries: composers and pianists, pupils and friends, writers and critics. The statements of Chopin’s own students in diaries, letters and reminiscences, written, dictated or conveyed by word of mouth, provide the bulk of these accounts. Throughout the book Professor Eigeldinger’s detailed annotations, both critical and explanatory, add a valuable scholary dimension, creating an indispensable guide to the authentic performance of Chopin’s piano works.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297584 in Books
• Published on: 1988-12-01
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 340 pages

Review
‘ … truly a book about the way Chopin played the piano, and about the way he interpreted his own music … Anyone interested in Chopin will be grateful to Eigeldinger.’ Charles Rosen, The New York Review of Books

‘ … the book is really indispensable to the serious student of Chopin. Almost all those reading it will find their view of the composer made sharper and truer than before.’ Nicholas Temperley, MLA Notes

Customer Reviews

If you are interested in Chopin's methods, get this book!
This book gives a clear idea of Chopin's philosophy and practice of the pianoforte. Whereas most biographies are cluttered with florid descriptions of his salon and will tell you nothing about his music, this book is well-researched and richly annotated. A surprisingly good read and definitely a great reference!