Keyboard artists in the time of J.S. Bach were simultaneously performers, composers, and improvisers. By the twentieth century, however, the art of improvisation was all but lost. Today, vanishingly few classically-trained musicians can improvise with fluent, stylistic integrity. Many now question the system of training that leaves players dependent upon the printed page, and would welcome a new approach to musicianship that would enable modern performers to recapture the remarkable creative freedom of a bygone era. The Pianist's Guide to Historic Improvisation opens a pathway of musical discovery as the reader learns to improvise with confidence and joy. Useful as either a college-level textbook or a guide for independent study, the book is eminently practical. Author John Mortensen explains even the most complex ideas in a lucid, conversational tone, accompanied by hundreds of musical examples. Mortensen pairs every concept with hands-on exercises for step-by-step practice of each skill. Professional-level virtuosity is not required; players of moderate skill can manage the material. Suitable for professionals, conservatory students, and avid amateurs, The Pianist's Guide leads to mastery of improvisational techniques at the Baroque keyboard.

This is the first comprehensive historical and technological study of the pianoforte based on important primary source material. Most histories of the piano begin with its invention by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Florence in about 1700: this study begins with the earliest fifteenth- and sixteenth-century manuscript sources and extends over Cristofori's rediscovery of the principle of the hammer action, the early exportation of Florentine pianofortes to prominent European courts, and the building of copies of these instruments in Portugal, Spain and Germany. Technical information is presented in a comparative format and the text is illustrated with many photographs, measurements, line drawings and tables. While written primarily for the technical specialist, there is much here of significance for the history of the piano and performance practice.

This book contains valuable material to help players strengthen their sight-reading skills in preparation for the ABRSM Grade 8 exam. Featuring preparatory exercises that gradually introduce key new elements encountered at Grade 8, along with a comprehensive selection of sample sight-reading pieces, More Piano Sight-Reading supports students with the transition between grades, and encourages them to integrate sight-reading into their daily practice. More Piano Sight-Reading is available for ABRSM Grades 1 to 8, offering additional support for the sight-reading requirements of the current syllabus.

Twelve of today's most distinguished scholar-performers offer essays in this volume on new and intriguing aspects of baroque keyboard music. Topics include fresh evidence on music of the seventeenth century (Frescobaldi, Froberger and Purcell), the place of the keyboard in concerted music and on comparative teaching methods (Couperin, Marpurg and Roeser), studies of the repertoire of J. S. Bach and his sons (including ornamentation in C. P. E. Bach and the Polonaises of Wilhelm Friedemann), and writing on the later eighteenth century (including Mozart) and on matters of repertoire and performance practice (continuo playing, improvisation). The volume gives a balanced picture of the latest theories and discoveries in keyboard music, of interest to both academic and performing musicians, and includes a new arrangement for keyboard of Bach's D minor Violin Partita, published here for the first time.

(Schirmer Performance Editions). Schirmer Performance Editions are designed for piano students and their teachers as well as for professional pianists. Pedagogical in nature, these editions offer insightful interpretative suggestions, pertinent fingering, and historical and stylistic commentary. Prepared by renowned artists/teachers, these publications provide an accurate, well-informed score resource for pianists. Johann Friedrich Burgmuller (1806-1874) was born into a German musical family: both his father and brother were also well-known composers. Settling in Paris after 1832, his light and intimate playing style won popularity in the salons of the day. Originally titled 25 Etudes faciles et progressives, composees et doigtees expressement pour l'etendue des petites mains, his Opus 100 pieces are perennial favorites among piano students and their teachers. Editor & recording artist: Margaret Otwell

Ever wondered how to create better accompaniments for the melodies in your favorite fake books?

This "teach yourself" book introduces you to chord building, various rhythmic styles, and much more, so that you play the songs you like just the way you want them. Keyboard players with a basic understanding of notation and sight-reading will be on their way to more fun with fake books.

The relaxed tone of the text and selection of fun songs keep How to Play from a Fake Book entertaining throughout - perfect for amateur musicians, or as a supplement for keyboard teachers and their students.

The name of Ruckers is as important to early keyboard instruments as Stradivarius is to strings. This book describes in close detail the art and technique of the Ruckers family, who produced harpsichords and virginals throughout a period of over 100 years. Dr O'Brien provides detailed information about the construction and decoration of Ruckers harpsichords and virginals, as well as the numbering, pitch, stringing, and the determination of the original state of their instruments. Like Stradivarius violins, Ruckers instruments were later altered, and the nature and musical significance of these alterations are discussed, as is the influence of the Ruckers style on later building practice. The instruments in their original and altered states are considered in relation to the music of the time and to contemporary performance practice. The text is richly illustrated with diagrams and pictures of original instruments, and with plan-view photographs reproduced at a scale of 1: 10. The book also contains a partially illustrated catalogue of authentic and fake instruments, followed by extensive appendices.

Piano Star is an exciting series for young pianists, offering a rich selection of new repertoire to help players build confidence and musical skills. Piano Star 3 moves from Prep Test level towards Grade 1 and includes compositions by Alan Bullard, David Blackwell, Peter Gritton, Mike Cornick, Mark Tanner, John Madden, Karen Marshall, Andrew Eales, Edmund Jolliffe, Nikki Illes, and Nancy Litten. Key features of the series: - Solo pieces, plus a number of duets - A rich mix of musical styles, with techniques introduced progressively - Fun extension activities - Beautifully illustrated

(Easy Piano Composer Collection). Easy arrangements of 22 classics by Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini. Songs include: Baby Elephant Walk * Charade * The Days of Wine and Roses * Dear Heart * Inspector Clouseau Theme * Moon River * Peter Gunn * The Pink Panther * Whistling Away the Dark * The Thorn Birds * and more.

This work is part of a series of comprehensive practical guides for the solo piano. A reference book for all levels - amateur, student, teacher and professional - the purpose of the series is to help pianists with their choice of music to suit their own styles and capabilities, and to discuss their technical and interpretive demands. This volume provides a complete survey of Chopin's music for solo piano, including a graded list of his works together with detailed suggestions for study and performance. An extended introduction places Chopin in the context of his time, distancing him from the romantic misconceptions that have dogged his reputation through successive generations.

(Faber Piano Adventures ). This collection of favorite hymns and songs of faith provides the earliest level of reading for the beginning pianist. No eighth notes are used and the hands remain in middle C position throughout the book. Special care has been taken in selecting joyful songs that are easily accessible at the primer level. Includes: God Is So Good * The B.I.B.L.E * Whisper a Prayer * I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy * O, How I Love Jesus * Deep and Wide * Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam * Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.

(Willis). Eight worship tunes perfect for the young student. An excellent supplement to any piano method and great sight-reading material for any age. Features: Awesome God * Here I Am to Worship * Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) * More Precious than Silver * Praise the Name of Jesus * There Is a Redeemer * Thy Word * Your Grace Is Enough.

Mozart's piano sonatas form a richly diverse and significant part of his instrumental output, and span much of his mature composing career, thereby representing a microcosm of the composer's changing style. Part I examines the contexts in which the sonatas were composed and performed, and reviews likely sources of influence. Part II concentrates on the genesis of the sonatas and the surviving autographs, which reveal important information about Mozart's compositional process. In Part III the music is studied from the standpoint of rhetoric - a discipline featured in numerous contemporary aesthetic and theoretical textbooks on music - and proceeds through an investigation of the nature of the musical ideas, followed by a discussion of formal design and finally a consideration of the style. The resulting picture affords a cross-section of Mozart's compositional strategies.