Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books on Music) [Paperback]

Josef Lhevinne (Author), Rosina Lhevinne (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: Dover Books on Music | Publication Date: June 1, 1972

Great modern teacher and pianist's concise statement of principles, technique, and related material. Includes 10 musical examples.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; New edition edition (June 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486228207
• ISBN-13: 978-0486228204
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Theory
  • #75 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Music > Instruments & Performers > Piano
  • #90 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Entertainment > Music > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only is he a brilliant pianist, he's a wonderful teacher, August 25, 2000

By 

Mohamad Al-Dah (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

Anyone listening to Josef Lhevinne's thirds etude by Chopin (op 25/6) will testify that he's got a wealth of technique, brilliance, and amazing tone. In his encompassing yet concise book he attempts to portray is very artisic beliefs to the reader. This book will help even the most advanced pianist, and the ideas presented are very clear and easy to understand. Lhevinne spares no effort to decorate his book with extensive excerpts by famous composers, mainly Chopin, Rubinstein, Liszt and Schumann. A recommended read for all pianists and anyone who enjoys listening to this great instrument. The book is relevant to all pianists regardless of level.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, December 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

Josef Lhevinne has done an oustanding job in BASIC PRINCIPLES IN PIANOFORTE PLAYING. He covers many useful topics such as sight-reading, rhythm, practice, using the pedal, legato, but the majority of this book is devoted to the secret of a beautiful tone.

Although this book is very short (the material is supposed to be basic, after all), Lhevinne manages to effectively illustrate everything he presents by applying each principle to excerpts from well-known classical pieces.

As a pianist who is trying to improve his technique, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is seeking to do the same.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a Brief But Very Much to the Point Discourse, January 26, 2003

By 

BLee "bpslee" (HK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

A well written book using only simple language, very easy to read. It's always better to get something right from the horse mouth--i.e. from someone who is really great, however brief it may be, instead of someone who merely aims great and is in fact no more than a mediocrity, however great their great pupils might be!

In a nutshell:

(1) Remember that the musician is the horse and the pianist only the cart; and, rhythm being the "spirit of music".

(2) Always seek for a rich singing tone, touch being the key.

(3) How to do it? Use the cushion flesh of the fingers supported by loose wrists as shock absorbers; " hold" instead of delivering blows to the keys ; and also give your left hand parts indivduality and independence "and your playing improves 100%", and a lot of other practical tips...