Beethoven the Pianist

The widely held belief that Beethoven was a rough pianist, impatient with his instruments, is not altogether accurate: it is influenced by anecdotes dating from when deafness had begun to impair his playing. Presenting a new, detailed biography of Beethoven's formative years, this book reviews the composer's early career, outlining how he was influenced by teachers, theorists and instruments. Skowroneck describes the development and decline of Beethoven's pianism, and pays special attention to early pianos, their construction and their importance for Beethoven and the modern pianist. The book also includes new discussions of legato and Beethoven's trills, and a complete annotated review of eyewitnesses' reports about his playing. Skowroneck presents a revised picture of Beethoven which traces his development from an impetuous young musician into a virtuoso in command of many musical resources.

CONTENIDO:

Introduction

Part I. Beethoven, His Playing and His Instruments:
1. Beethoven's early training
2. Beethoven the pianist
3. Beethoven's first decade in Vienna
4. The 1803 Érard Grand Piano

Part II. Sound Ideal and Performance: 5. The builder's influence
6. The player's influence

Part III. Sound Ideal, Notation and Stylistic Change:
7. Common touch and legato
8. The performance of Beethoven's trills
Epilogue
Bibliography