Piano Mastery: The Harriette Brower Interviews

by Harriette Brower

While a master class with a legendary performer is a dream for any student, we are treated here to the next best thing: a collection of chats with the world's greatest pianists. Here, in one remarkable volume, are the thoughts, musical insights, and invaluable practical advice from a host of world-class musicians, recorded in their own words, at the height of their careers, in separate interviews. Ignacy Paderewski talks about the correct motion of fingers and forearm in his new "Méthode"; Josef Hofmann talks about the role of inspiration in piano playing; Leopold Godowsky discusses the laws governing technique; and Walter Gieseking shares his thoughts on the necessity of relaxation. Filled with insights for pianists on all levels, this book provides a unique opportunity to learn simple but unforgettable lessons from the great masters. Introduction by Dr. Jeffrey Johnson.

Genres: Music

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style is interestingly flowery - lots of comments on the decor of the house - but it's a curiosity book, for dipping into. And it reinforces my thinking, as a piano teacher, that there is no One Way to play the piano.

[indy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can get the Kindle edition of this book for free (!), so I gave it a bonus star in my rating.

I enjoyed reading many and varied perspectives on playing and teaching piano, but some sections were more interesting than others. The physical descriptions of the women pianists and teachers made me think the author was a man; I found myself checking the author's name.

Piano talk can go so deep and get so technical, and this book's got it all: cold vs warm fingers, tone colours, finger curvature, posture, and so on.