Cambridge Companion To The Piano, The

Description:
This collection of specially commissioned essays offers an accessible introduction to the history of the piano, performance styles, and its vast repertoire. Part 1 reviews the evolution of the piano, from its earliest forms up to the most recent developments, including the acoustics of the instrument. Part 2 explores the varied repertory in its social and stylistic contexts, including contemporary music, with a final chapter on jazz, blues and ragtime. The Companion also contains a glossary of important terms and will be a valuable source for the piano performer, student and enthusiast.

Review:
'Insight brought to the byways of nineteenth-century drawing-room life is one of the pleasures of dipping into this guide of the piano and its history ...'. Times Literary Supplement '... a fascinating addition to an excellent series.' Reference Reviews

Table of Contents:
List of figures; List of music examples; Notes on the contributors; Acknowledgements; Bibliographical abbreviations and pitch notation; Introduction David Rowland; Part I. Pianos and Pianists: 1. The piano to c.1770 David Rowland; 2. Pianos and pianists c.1770-c.1825 David Rowland; 3. The piano since c.1825 David Rowland; 4: The virtuoso tradition Kenneth Hamilton; 5: Pianists on record in the early twentieth century Robert Philip; 6. The acoustics of the piano Bernard Richardson; Part II. Repertory: 7. Repertory and canon Dorothy de Val and Cyril Ehrlich; 8. The music of the early pianists (to c.1830) David Rowland; 9. Piano music for concert hall and salon c.1830-1900 J. Barrie Jones; 10. Nationalism J. Barrie Jones; 11. New horizons in the twentieth century Mervyn Cooke; 12. Ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music Brian Priestley; Glossary; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.