In this previously unpublished essay Schenker, one of the most influential music theorists of the twentieth century, turned his attention to the performer's role, arguing that the cult of the virtuoso has led to an overemphasis on technical display and discussing specific ways in which performers can better serve the composer's ideas.

The Art of Performance draws on Schenker's experience as a musician and teacher to propose a sharp re-evaluation of how musical compositions are realized in performance. Schenker argues that much of contemporary performance practice is rooted in the nineteenth-century cult of the virtuoso, which has resulted in an overemphasis on technical display. To counter this, he suggests numerous ways to reconnect the composer's intentions and the musician's performance.