The Pianist's Guide to Pedaling

U S A: Indiana University Press, 1985. Hardback. First Edition. The Pianist's Guide to Pedalling. Slight shelf wear to D/J. Slightly sunned spine to D/J. Appropriate pedaling is the hallmark of the artistic and intelligent pianist. Pedaling - for colour, for sonority, for sustaining certain tones - is an art, but one that must be based on historical considerations and on an understanding of the composer's intent. In this book, the author and four distinguished contributors present a comprehensive view of the subject. After a short history of the piano's pedals, separate chapters are devoted to the mechanics and operation of each of the three pedals on the modern grand, The next several chapters are concerned with pedaling workds of selected composers and styles. The writers base their recommendations and suggested solutions to pedaling problems on the capabilities and sound quality of the instruments in use during the composers' lifetimes and on their individual systems of notation. In the case of Bach, although his works were not written for the modern piano, they are performed on it, and certain stylistic and acoustical principles should be observed. Some controversy surrounds pedaling in Haydn and Mozart, most of whose works were written for the early fortepiano. Two chapters are devoted to Beethoven's uses of the pedal, and Banowetz follows with suggestions for executing them on the modern grand. In the three chapters on Romantic composers,. Maurice Hinson describes pedaling in Chopin, while Banowetz discusses Schumann and Liszt. Mark Hansen then outlines the teaching of the Catalan school and reflections of its principles of pedaling in the works of some of the Spanish masters. The final chapter details Walter Gieseking's ideas on pedaling in Debussy and Ravel, as recalled from his master classes by his student Dean Elder. Throughout this book the author and his associates stress that the performer's ear is the ultimate judge - that historical fact and the composer's intent may have to be modified by such ephermeral factors as the instrument at hand, the size and acoustics of the performance space, and even the mood of the player. Here are practical suggestions and musicological insights for teachers, performers, and serious students of the piano. 309 pp. (We carry a wide selection of titles in The Arts, Theology, History, Politics, Social and Physical Sciences. academic and scholarly books and Modern First Editions, Reference books ,and all types of Academic Literature.). First Edition. Cloth. Very Good/Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" Tall Octavo. Hardback.