The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creative Experience [Paperback]

Kenneth O. Drake (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 1994

"... one of the most interesting, useful and even exciting books on the process of musical creation." —American Music Teacher

"... noteworthy contribution... with plenty of insight into interpretation... remarkable as an insider's account of the works in an individual perspective." —European Music Teacher

Drake groups the Beethoven piano sonatas according to their musical qualities, rather than their chronology. He explores the interpretive implications of rhythm, dynamics, slurs, harmonic effects, and melodic development and identifies specific measures where Beethoven skillfully employs these compositional devices.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" ... one of the most interesting, useful and even exciting books on the process of musical creation." --American Music Teacher " ... noteworthy contribution ... with plenty of insight into interpretation ... remarkable as an insider's account of the works in an individual perspective." --European Music Teacher "... one of the most interesting, useful and even exciting books on the process of musical creation." --Marilyn Neeley, American Music Teacher "This book is a highly worthwhile addition for every serious pianist's library and to the scholarship on Beethoven. It is lavishly illustrated with examples from the scores." --William Race, Notes "In [this book's] blend of pianistic, analytical and aesthetic issues, the author breaks new ground, encouraging a more holistic interpretative approach." --Malcolm Miller, European Music Teacher

About the Author

Kenneth Drake is Professor Emeritus of Piano at the University of Illinois and author ofThe Sonatas of Beethoven as He Played and Taught Them. He is active as a performer on period pianos.

Cover illustration: The Beethoven Broadwood fortepiano. Courtesy of the Hungarian National Museum. Photo by Sheila Rock, Thorn EMI London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (April 22, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253213827
• ISBN-13: 978-0253213822
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Piano Sonatas
  • #62 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Beethoven

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kenneth Drake's Major Cntribution, December 20, 2009

By 

Seymour Bernstein - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creative Experience (Paperback)

Kenneth Drake's book "The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creatvie Experience" is, in my opinion, the definitive book on this subject. I have the earlier version of his book published by MTNA. It is my constant companion and something from which I quote continuously to my colleagues and pupils, and during my lectures and masterclasses. I met Kenneth Drake some years back at a dinner gathering. After being introduced to him and expressing my awe at meeting the author of a book I so admire, I had to add, "You are a legendary figure to me."
Seymour Bernstein

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creative Experience, September 3, 2008

By 

Dr. James L. Franklin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beethoven Sonatas and the Creative Experience (Paperback)

As an amateur pianist, Professor Drake's book is proving to be a useful adjunct to my understanding, enjoyment and performance of Beethoven's monumental compositions.
James L. Franklin, M.D.