This collection of specially commissioned essays offers an accessible introduction to the history of the piano, performance styles, and its vast repertoire. Part 1 reviews the evolution of the piano, from its earliest forms up to the most recent developments, including the acoustics of the instrument. Part 2 explores the varied repertory in its social and stylistic contexts, including contemporary music, with a final chapter on jazz, blues and ragtime. The Companion also contains a glossary of important terms and will be a valuable source for the piano performer, student and enthusiast.
- Offers an accessible introduction to the world's most popular instrument
- Specially-commissioned essays by experts and performers
- Perfect for students, their teachers, enthusiasts and general music lovers
Read more
Reviews & endorsements
'Insight brought to the byways of nineteenth-century drawing-room life is one of the pleasures of dipping into this guide of the piano and its history …'. The Times Literary Supplement
'… a fascinating addition to an excellent series.' Reference Reviews
See more reviews
Customer reviews

Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review

Log in to review

Review was not posted due to profanity
×

, create a review

(If you're not , sign out)

Please enter the right captcha value

Please enter a star rating.

Your review must be a minimum of 12 words.

How do you rate this item?

Reviews must contain at least 12 words about the product.

×

Product details
- Date Published: November 1998
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521479868
- length: 260 pages
- dimensions: 244 x 170 x 14 mm
- weight: 0.465kg
- contains: 39 b/w illus. 37 music examples
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
List of figures
List of music examples
Notes on the contributors
Acknowledgements
Bibliographical abbreviations and pitch notation
Introduction David Rowland
Part I. Pianos and Pianists:
1. The piano to c.1770 David Rowland
2. Pianos and pianists c.1770–c.1825 David Rowland
3. The piano since c.1825 David Rowland
4: The virtuoso tradition Kenneth Hamilton
5: Pianists on record in the early twentieth century Robert Philip
6. The acoustics of the piano Bernard Richardson
Part II. Repertory:
7. Repertory and canon Dorothy de Val and Cyril Ehrlich
8. The music of the early pianists (to c.1830) David Rowland
9. Piano music for concert hall and salon c.1830–1900 J. Barrie Jones
10. Nationalism J. Barrie Jones
11. New horizons in the twentieth century Mervyn Cooke
12. Ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music Brian Priestley
Glossary
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.
Look Inside
Editor
David Rowland, The Open University, Milton Keynes
Contributors
David Rowland, Kenneth Hamilton, Robert Philip, Bernard Richardson, Dorothy de Val, Cyril Ehrlich, J. Barrie Jones, Mervyn Cooke, Brian Priestley

This title is available for institutional purchase via Cambridge Core

Cambridge Collections Online offers subject or theme based collections within a richly functional, cross-searchable environment.

Related Books

A History of Pianoforte Pedalling

also by this author

A History of Pianoforte Pedalling

Early Keyboard Instruments

A Practical Guide

Browse by related subject

Save 20% off on your next online purchase with Cambridge Alerts

Receive email alerts on new books, offers and news...

Find content that relates to you

Join us online

This site uses cookies to improve your experience. Read more Close

Products and services

About us

Careers

Unlocking potential with the best learning and research solutions

The Cambridge Companion to the Piano

£24.99