Stories, Images, and Magic from the Piano Literature

Stories, Images, and Magic from the Piano Literature will stimulate the imagination of pianists as they study and perform the great works of the piano literature. This book brings together for the first time under one cover, for the delight and edification of the musician, a plethora of programmatic, poetic, or imaginative musical images and stories on piano works from the classical literature. Many images originate with the composers themselves, the pens of their acquaintances or contemporaries, while others derive from pianists and authors of distinction from later generations, as well as from translations of poetry on which a piano work is based.

Reviews

"Neil Rutman is to be congratulated for his foresight in bringing to pianists, teachers, and aficionados alike a volume of "indispensables of piano playing"- that of interpretive imagery. This book belongs in the hands of everyone who loves the piano." Nancy Lee Harper, EPTA JOURNAL.

"Rutman's admirable aim is to bring a more subjective, human dimension to contemporary pianism." Franz Wulf, PIANO INTERNATIONAL.

"A fascinating tapestry of tales, letters and comments from the composers themselves, from their colleagues and friends as well as from well known performers who consistently confront the challenge of making choices that are authentic, imaginative and inspiring." Leon Fleisher, Andrew W. Mellon Chair in Piano, Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

"A most stimulating read. Neil Rutman, himself a brilliant pianist, has succeeded in creating an invaluable tool for both teachers and performers. Much more than a reference book, it will Inspire the reader to deeper exploration and understanding of the music at hand." Anton Nel, Long Endowed Chair in Piano, University of Texas at Austin, Artist Faculty at Ravinia and Aspen

"A true gold mine of information, this book is a mustread for every pianist, and for every music lover. Insight of this kind is priceless." Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Concert Pianist and Distinguished Professor of Piano, Cleveland Institute of Music

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