Customer Reviews

Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am learning the piano on my own using the Alfred book(s). The Hanon book is very helpful at my beginning stage. I realize my 4th finger is hard to control, as well as my 5th, and the exercises are improving their movement. I didn't think it would be this fun to play such exercises. It is driving my wife crazy though.

Reviewers who rate this item as poor because it is not a substitute for playing etudes etc are missing the point. This is not intended to be particularly musical, or to be a practice of every aspect of the art of piano playing. It is the equivalent to stretching or warming up before playing a sport- athletes will go through a number of activities that are not exact replicas of in-game situations.
Rigorous practice of these exercises is invaluable for the beginning or intermediate pianist. Unlike other reviewers I cannot speak to the habits of concert pianists, but I do know that what is appropriate for the professional may not be appropriate for the talented amateur (and vice-versa).

I've worked on the first ten of the 60 excercises and I think it's great for working up your speed and technique. I bet later on when I go back to practicing classical pieces I will find amazing results. This book is worth it's price and then some!

I'd hate to burst the bubble that is the hype surrouning the Hanon Virtuoso Pianist in 60 exercises, but these exercises encourage awful playing habits which can take years to reverse.

Throughout the work, Hanon keeps reiterating the idea that "the fingers should be raised high and strike with precision". This must be one of the most harmful ideas relating to piano technique that has ever been published. This method of playing puts strain on the fingers and wrists, and should you continue to play like this over a long period of time, you are leaving an invitation for tendonitis on a golden platter.

Perhaps if you are playing on a lighter instrument from the 17th-18th century, and music of the same period, this method of playing is more acceptable. However, if you were to attempt repertoire such as the Chopin Etudes (As documented by Abby Whiteside), it is simply not possible if you follow the Hanon method.

You do not need perfect finger independence to play well, it is much more important to have good wrist and arm technique - if you have so much weight in your arms and upper back, why do you need to strain your fingers to provide volume and force? It simply does not make any sense to isolate the often vigorous activity of 'virtuoso' piano playing to one muscle group. I don't believe I will ever see a great Liszt, Ravel, etc. player who uses this technique.

I will admit that the exercises do cover quite a wide variety of pianistic techniques, such as repeated notes, trills, tremelos, etc, but the only people who would gain much from these exercises are beginners, as the exercises are not difficult, and can practically be sightread by an intermediate player at almost full speed. It is also severely lacking in that none of the exercises, bar the scale and arpeggio section in the middle, contain any black keys! Surely a true virtuoso needs to use black keys sometime!

I am not being some kind of skeptical crackpot, have a chat to almost any "virtuoso" pianist and they will confirm what I have said in this review. The Hanon method is rapidly being abandoned for different arm/wrist based methods which are simply far more sensible.

Don't buy into this dated and harmful ideology.

This is Hanon - pretty standard. Tip: Buy this version (plastic spiral-bound spine) instead of the other versions. It's easier to turn the pages, you don't have to bend them, plus the book stays open flat without closing.

I purchased this for my kids ages 8 (playing 3 years) and 10 (playing 5 yrs) to supplement their piano practice. Their teacher thought it was a great addition.

The exercises become more challenging progressing through the book. This version is well printed and opens nicely. There are other editions not printed as well. This book contains all 60 exercises and is a better value then the separate volumes.

This book is not just for a beginner as an advanced player can benefit from the exercises.

this book is very challengeing great i think any one would like it that like a challenge once in a while its great!

This is my second (not consecutive) semester at Rutgers University Newark campus taking piano lessons. My professor, Michael Cochrane added this to the Thompson book initially required. This is a great book. From the first time using this book, you will see the difference in your playing. I am a saxophonist and percussionist, but need piano for the music major.

This is an excellent book for the intermediate pianist. My daughter's instructor suggested this book for practice to strengthen her fingers and playing ability. It's working!!!

I bought this book for my son who is a music major in college. His piano teacher recommended it. He uses the exercises in the book to increase his dexterity and thinks that they are very helpful.