Although best known as the sister of Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-47) was a virtuoso pianist and a composer of considerable merit in her own right. Her oeuvre of more than 400 compositions remained largely unknown for more than a century after her untimely death, and her newly rediscovered reputation as a composer rests chiefly with her piano music. This volume is the first American publication of her important early works. Reproduced directly from rare first editions, its contents include "Vier Lieder fur das Pianoforte, "Op. 2, Op. 6, and Op. 8, in addition to two selections from S"ix Melodies pour le Piano," Op. 4 and Op. 5. Introduction.

Regardless of what instrument they play or what style of music they hope to master, this book offers young musicians a guide to practising their instrument. It shows them how to take responsibility for their own progress and use the time spent practising in the most rewarding way possible. Rather than regarding music-making as a chore, it stresses the importance of making practising enjoyable, and developing self-reliance.