$5.95 with 14 percent savings
List Price: $6.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 16. Order within 13 hrs 10 mins
In Stock
$$5.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$5.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Josef Lhévinne
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books On Music: Piano) Paperback – June 1, 1972

by Josef Lhevinne (Author), Rosina Lhevinne (Foreword)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 188 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$5.95","priceAmount":5.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"5","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"WdFA0IGkuBcPjJdrEX8cLAipcZPGUjAvn%2BvTA0WGtnlwuQ5RSgkWvdQbCEJEVsfrW6ddw1NW%2FmKCUKymCXk3zANCdm5ebbI72y4F9dIwjs1j8Nx5pCxj6ta5Wtha7uUeawwPuUYy3Ic%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This little book, written at the height of his career by Josef Lhevinne, the "inward poet of the piano," is a clear statement of principles based on his lifelong experience in performance and teaching. Lhevinne was, with Rachmaninoff, Schnabel, and Hoffman, one of the great modern masters, and was the first artist invited to teach at the newly formed Julliard Graduate School of Music.
Technique, through essential, must be subordinate to musical understanding. Complete knowledge of scales, apprehended not mechanically but musically; understanding of the uses of rests and silence, which Mozart considered the greatest effect in music; a feeling for rhythm and training of the ear; these are the basic elements of a thorough grounding in musicianship and are accordingly emphasized in the opening chapters.
The heart of the book is devoted to the attainment of a beautiful tone. Anyone who has heard Lhevinne play or has listened to one of his recordings will know how great were his achievements in that area. The secret lay, at least in part, in the technique he called "the arm floating in air," and in the use of the wrists as natural shock absorbers. The achievement of varieties of tone, of the singing, ringing tone, of brilliancy, of delicacy, and of power are all explained in terms of a careful analysis of the ways in which the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, and indeed the whole body function in striking the keys. There are further remarks about how to get a clear staccato and an unblurred legato, about the dangers of undue emphasis on memorization and the need for variety in practicing, and special comments on the use of the pedal, which should be employed with as much precision as the keys.
Throughout, specific musical examples are presented as illustrations. The author draws not only upon his own experiences and methods, but upon the examples of Anton Rubenstein and of his teacher, Safonoff, for this remarkably lucid and concise formulation of basic principles.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    48 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  4. Publication date
    June 1, 1972
  5. Dimensions
    5.41 x 0.2 x 8.43 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0486228207
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0486228204
  8. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing (Dover Books On Music: Piano)
$5.95
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Art of Piano Playing
$25.96
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This little book, written at the height of his career by Josef Lhevinne, the "inward poet of the piano," is a clear statement of principles based on his lifelong experience in performance and teaching. Lhevinne was, with Rachmaninoff, Schnabel, and Hoffman, one of the great modern masters, and was the first artist invited to teach at the newly formed Julliard Graduate School of Music.
Technique, through essential, must be subordinate to musical understanding. Complete knowledge of scales, apprehended not mechanically but musically; understanding of the uses of rests and silence, which Mozart considered the greatest effect in music; a feeling for rhythm and training of the ear; these are the basic elements of a thorough grounding in musicianship and are accordingly emphasized in the opening chapters.
The heart of the book is devoted to the attainment of a beautiful tone. Anyone who has heard Lhevinne play or has listened to one of his recordings will know how great were his achievements in that area. The secret lay, at least in part, in the technique he called "the arm floating in air," and in the use of the wrists as natural shock absorbers. The achievement of varieties of tone, of the singing, ringing tone, of brilliancy, of delicacy, and of power are all explained in terms of a careful analysis of the ways in which the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, and indeed the whole body function in striking the keys. There are further remarks about how to get a clear staccato and an unblurred legato, about the dangers of undue emphasis on memorization and the need for variety in practicing, and special comments on the use of the pedal, which should be employed with as much precision as the keys.
Throughout, specific musical examples are presented as illustrations. The author draws not only upon his own experiences and methods, but upon the examples of Anton Rubenstein and of his teacher, Safonoff, for this remarkably lucid and concise formulation of basic principles.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Revised ed. edition (June 1, 1972)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486228207
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486228204
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.84 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.41 x 0.2 x 8.43 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 188 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Josef Lhévinne

Josef Lhévinne

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
188 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Joshua S. Infiesto
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic in the field
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2010
Verified Purchase
This book is a must for serious pianists. Coming from this line of pianists, my teacher's teacher was Mme Lhevinne, I may be a little bit biased. This book covers all of the basic technical aspects of music making at the piano. Also, the book is very short, so it's an easy read.

If you've been schooled in this line of pianistic thinking, some of the concepts may seem elementary, but note the title. Still, Mr. Lhevinne's writing is clear and erudite. A pleasure to read.

Edit 4/29/2012

This is still a great book, though I realized I should have added some additional information. This book is very short, and covers a huge amount of ground in a very short time. It's a great way to tie together all of your technical knowledge if you already have the requisite know-how. On the other hand, I question how useful it might be to someone who has no clue. At any rate, not for beginners!

The writing is deceptively facile. While it's very easy to read, you'll miss important nuggets of wisdom if you don't read carefully.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Roxane Fletcher
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect complement for having had (typical) American piano teachers
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
It is amazing to me that such a little book can cover in easy-to-execute detail what seems to me EXACTLY what is usually left out of piano pedagogy for the typical American kid. My teachers were mostly focused on technical performance, speed, and perfection, kind of like Olympic coaches, but never mentioned how to imbue with music with soul and bring out what the composer intended. Mr. Lhevinne can actually explain how to holistically (i.e., with states of mind as well as mechanical techniques) achieve this, notably by explaining precisely how to achieve whatever kind of touch works to create a desired effect. (There are 3 different kinds of staccato mentioned!). Mrs.Lhevinne's intro is also helpful and is in addition funny. If you are a dedicated amateur pianist, this book could make all the difference in your playing.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
Outstanding book, helpful, insightful and informative. As a new piano player, the book gives a step by step approach in learning how to play the piano.
Helpful
 Report
Susan M. Greene
4.0 out of 5 stars Basic Principles- but nothing more!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Excellent general overview of the various technical and musical aspects of playing the piano. But, very little detail as far as execution. Principles are sound, but this is more a philosophical than a detailed pedagogical treatise.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Aomf
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply a Gem
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2012
Verified Purchase
This book is a real gem. In particular, Mr. Lhevine's understanding of how the beautiful tone - the most difficult task for piano player - can be produced. I have read many books on the subject of piano technique. Many of them are subjective approximations, some contains intuitive insights here and there. In this one I found the answer I was looking for all my life - how to create a singing tone. A wonderful confirmation for my own findings. Dover made a real gift to those tormented souls who are in constant search of beauty in piano playing.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jierong Wang
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Piano Teachers
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Younger piano teachers can definitely use this book as a manual for their teaching philosophy and insert other knowledge and experiences later on!
Helpful
 Report
DJ TOFI
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2017
Verified Purchase
I really have enjoyed reading this little book. So little yet full of guidelines that if you really understand what the writer is talking about, you’ll definitely benefit greatly. I’ve taken so many notes and will definitely read it many times to remind myself what piano playing is really all about.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ha Dinh
3.0 out of 5 stars Concise conferences, not much new information.
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2015
The book discusses, generally, important aspects of professional piano playing, including some common mistakes of amateur players. A short, encouraging read. But not much depth into details. The author gives little instructions on how to achieve the skills he mentions, probably because they all depends on particular student under a particular mentor. The book is basically for serious piano players who aim at professional career or piano teachers. For recreational players, you're not going to spend your whole life just get the scales sound right, but one can find useful advices here.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Fernando Oliveira
5.0 out of 5 stars Leitura obrigatória para pianistas profissionais e amadores
Reviewed in Brazil on May 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Um clássico da literatura sobre noções primárias do estudo do piano, com capítulos sobre temas bem definidos. Expõe ponto de vista sobre a necessidade de aprimoramento técnico antes de adentrar o grande repertório pianístico, uso do pedal, toques e a necessidade de extração de um belo som, etc. Enfim, vale a aquisição por se tratar de uma obra escrita por um dos maiores pianistas da história, Josef Lhévinne, amigo de turma de Scriabin e Rachmaninoff.
Report
jp sabatier
4.0 out of 5 stars very good book
Reviewed in France on October 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
An old but still very interesting book, with unusual ideas about piano technique
I learn many things thank to this book
Report
Aleksandar
5.0 out of 5 stars All about the beautiful tone
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
To @Alex
Mrs. Rosinna Lhevinne was Mr. Lhevinne's wife, not sister.

Wonderful Book! Mr. Lhevinne draws not only upon his own experience and methods, but upon the examples of Rubinstein and his teacher, Safonoff, for this remarkably lucid and concise formulation of basic principles.
Report
Omar Valenz
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno
Reviewed in Mexico on August 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Aunque se centra en sólo en los principios es un libro excelente. Llegó en buenas condiciones.
Report
Lichnowsky
4.0 out of 5 stars Básico pero interesante
Reviewed in Spain on July 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
El texto procede de una serie de conferencias que el pianista dio en los Estados Unidos hace unos 100 años. Con un nivel medio de inglés leído, el libro puede entenderse correctamente. De todas formas tampoco es para pianistas principiantes, pero sí que es idóneo para profesores que quieran explicar su contenido a sus alumnos.

Trata especialmente del modo de producir un sonido de calidad, de la forma de lograr potencia sin estridencia y la de tocar delicadamente pero sin dejar huecos en el tejido musical, así como del toque legato, el staccato.

Aun dentro de las limitaciones que impone un librito de sólo 48 páginas, los comentarios son muy sugerentes para buscar una técnica pianística basada en la musicalidad y la belleza del sonido.
One person found this helpful
 Report