The Art of the Piano » (REV)

This reference for teachers, students, and concert goers presents nearly 1,000 profiles of the world's best known concert pianists. It also contains Dubal's commentary on the masterpieces of the literature, organized alphabetically by composer. Each of these entries concludes with a list of recordings representing the widest diversity of interpretation of the work. New to the third edition is a music CD containing 31 rare piano performances. Concert pianist Dubal teaches piano literature at the Juilliard School. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Library Journal

Dubal (piano literature, Juilliard Sch.) has enlarged his useful 1989 handbook by a third. While some entries remain unchanged, others have been updated or reworked. Of course, entries have been added, as has a CD of 31 historical solo piano performances. As in previous editions, the text is divided between biographies of pianists who focus on classical solo repertoire, ranging from the earliest exponents to performers active in 2003 (and excluding those known mainly as accompanists or chamber musicians, e.g., Gilbert Kalish), and a repertoire section listing composers and their piano works with annotations and suggested recordings, which is presented in two parts-key composers/pieces and others of "special quality." This division is understandable, but it requires readers to consult each grouping to see if a composer is included. Programs for recitals by some major performers, portraits by the author, and quotes from pianists, critics, and others personalize the work. The selections featured on the CD are important (e.g., Bartok playing his own pieces, Schnabel playing Beethoven), fascinating, and sometimes downright quirky, but unfortunately many are marred by surface noise. Bottom Line A few odd locutions and minor editorial lapses distract, but overall Dubal's strong opinions remain provocative. In its new guise, this important title effectively supersedes earlier editions and is quite a bargain for libraries; highly recommended.-Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.