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The art of piano playingFebruary 20th, 2009
I would like to tell you about a book I own, like any other pianist I suppose: “The art of piano playing” by Heinrich Neuhaus, very enriching bible on diverse aspects of our favorite instrument. Like many others, I read it and re-read it, and according to the age I was, I understood it differently. “Do not find yourself in the music, but find the music in yourself” he used to say. Something we all should ponder on…
Heinrich Neuhaus (Russian of German origin) was a famous pianist and pedagogue. He studied in Vienna under Leopold Godowsky, then he went back to Russia in 1913 where he taught in many conservatories before running his own class in Moscow from 1923 until his death in 1964. There studied the most brilliant pianists of the XXth century, among them were Gilels, Richter, Virsaladze, Zak, Lupu, Krainev, Naumov… Piano genius, he devoted his life to teaching.
His book, “The art of piano playing”, is a series of comments based on his experience, a bit like his diary as a professor. With precise examples as well as general principles or anecdotes about his pupils, Neuhaus unveils what is according to him the art of piano playing.
Even if we do not immediately understand everything, reading this work is an advantage on the long way to master the piano. I like to re-read it every two or three years, it brings my mind back to reality. I recommend you to read it and wish you to get the best of it!
For those who already read it, how has this book helped you?