Piano Notes: The World of the Pianist by Charles Rosen
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Book Reviews of Piano Notes: The World of the Pianist
Book Review: Noteworthy
Summary: 5 Stars
I begin with a paraphrase from Rosen's book, "A review should cultivate a certain humility before a really fine pianist and writer." Rosen is both. In fact, the man is so talented as to be somewhat intimidating. Not only is he a world-class pianist, he has written volumes on various musical subjects, holds a doctorate in French literature from Princeton, and has served on the faculty at the University of Chicago. He is one of America's remaining public intellectuals.
Rosen's earlier works, "Sonata Forms," "The Classical Style," and "The Romantic Generation," have all entered the canon of works that are absolutely essential for the well-informed musician and critic. "Piano Notes" takes a lighter approach: it is part memoir, part anecdote, always highly opinionated, with some choice gossip thrown in. Often, his tongue is firmly planted in cheek. In other words, it's great reading.
In relatively few well-chosen words, Rosen offers his considered opinions on topics as diverse as Bach performance, piano tuning and regulation, shenanigans in the recording studio, piano conservatories and competitions, the uses and misuses of concerts and recitals, and the best method of piano practicing for pure technique--reading while practicing, but scrupulously avoiding poetry and "really admirable prose" because these interfere with the rhythm of the music. "The most useful, I have found for myself, are detective stories, sociology and literary criticism. However, any reading matter that distracts the mind without engaging the senses or the emotions too powerfully will work." (p. 40).
Rosen believes the traditional piano recital, complete with grand piano, darkened hall, and the costumed pianist as high priest, is on the way out, largely because of the relative ease of acquiring fine recorded performances of most of the repertoire. I for one hope he's wrong. There is something marvelous, as Rosen points out, in caressing those ivory and ebony keys, and having music come out. The person who has never experienced that will never understand the blissful expression on the faces of so many pianists when they can share music with others. But those of us lucky enough to have felt music flow from our fingers and to have placed themselves and others under its thrall, will completely understand when Rosen when rhapsodizes of the pianist's fetishistic need for physical contact with the ebony and ivory, and of the inexpressible beauty that results.
Book Review: Do you play piano? Buy this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's getting so that if Charles Rosen announced a forthcoming book on the collective memories of his summer vacations during his youth kind of thing, I would buy it! Bottom line, and obviously what I'm saying here is that I like the way he writes 'all' of his books, what he has to say and how he says it! A style that both holds and informs if you will. So too, he's "been the road" so the contents of these books draw on the cumulative wealth of his experiences whether it's a discussion of Beethoven's sonatas, the classical era itself and its stand-outs or this present book on the world of the pianist.
Regardless of one's level of experience on the piano, this book is an excellent read from a man who knows what he is talking about. It is NOT a book zeroing in on posture or breathing or "don't bang the keys" recitations or 'lectures' but rather a nitty-gritty practical tome that touches on various areas and what life with the keys is all about. The ups and the downs and all in between.
BTW, if books like these appeal to you written by folks who have "been there, done that" albeit well 'verifiably' so as is the case with Mr. Rosen, and as they equally appeal to me when I can locate such informative tomes, and as a classical oriented player making no excuses for literally loving the classical war-horse pieces, check out "Piano Pieces" by Russell Sherman [New England Conservatory]. Another great read!
Doc Tony
Book Review: Insights for All
Summary: 5 Stars
Rosen is humorous and insightful. He looks at a number of piano and music related topics (concerts, competition, practice, etc.) and imparts a level of understanding that reveals both the brilliance and idiosyncrasies of the music world. This is not just a book for the piano student but for anyone interested in classical music. The following passage illustrates:
"For whom does one play? To whom is the performance addresses? These questions are odd because they do not seem at first sight to call forth a useful answer. They are worth asking, however, because they raise a more interesting one: to what extent is the performer aware of the public during their actual playing? The latter question is more pertinent to the pianist than any other musician. Unlike the string player of the singer, the pianist does not face the listeners while playing; the public exists only in the margins of his sight. Nevertheless, even for the violinist or the soprano, the contrast of the spotlit stage and the lowered lights in the hall make the audience largely an anonymous blur."
Rosen's writing is accessible and his style witty. Both newcomers to music and the most erudite aficionado will come away with a deeper understanding of the world of classical music. It gives much food for thought and further discussion with friends. Very enjoyable.
Book Review: Very informative
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is very light in your hand to hold, and very easy to read. Even though the contents are sometimes very technical and professional, Mr. Rosen made it easy and light enough for non-professionals to be able to understand. He tells about piano as an instrument, its mechanics, its charm, and how you can achieve to get the best out of the instrument. My piano hasn't been tuned in 10 years, because I'm so afraid that the piano tuner I choose may ruin it (it happened once). Now I know a lot more about the instrument and its mechanics, I'll know what to tell the tuner about my piano.
Also I was delighted to learn the importance of the piano stool, and how its height can affect your performance.
He also tells you about what is essential to survive in the highly competitious classical piano world. I'm not a professional pianist, but I do a lot of creative works (painting, writing, composing), and his points made a great deal of sense.
It's a very imformative book which you will not regret reading.
Book Review: Approachable for non-musicians, yet profound for musicians!
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a pianist, I have an inevitably biased view for my instrument. But Charles Rosen's book "Piano Notes" is intended for everyone, even people who have no formal training in music. It covers just about all aspects of the instrument, including famous pianists, the idea of recording, and music appreciation in the broad sense. Rosen's experience as a pianist and a pedagogue adds invaluable touches to this book. Living in a country where classical music is largely neglected in the culture, I think this book should be read by all cultural people, at least all music majors on college campuses.
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