Music for Piano: A Short History / Edition 1

by F. E. Kirby

Overview

(Amadeus). This historical survey focuses on music for piano solo but also includes important compositions for piano duet and two pianos. Scholarly yet readable, it covers the entire repertoire from the Renaissance to the late 20th century and incorporates a bibliography of 1,100 sources for further study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780931340864
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/01/2003
Series:	Amadeus
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	468
Product dimensions:	7.43(w) x 8.99(h) x 1.15(d)

About the Author

F. E. Kirby is professor emeritus at Lake Forest College in Illinois. His books include _A Short History of Keyboard Music_ and _Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Stravinsky: An Introduction to Western Music._ He is a resident of Riverwoods, Illinois.

Editorial Reviews

Rejoice, all who have hoped for a revised, rewritten, expanded version of F.E. Kirby's narrative Short History of Keyboard Music (Schirmer, 1966). Kirby's new book omits material on organ and harpsichord music, edits and updates the older title's piano chapters significantly, and adds more music by women and black composers (though saying "it is evident" that Clara Shumann gave up composing to "meet the needs of her family" reveals a shallow spot in his new research). With improved style but unchanging devotion, Kirby provides piano-lovers with a solid introductory source for understanding historical developments of style in part of the western art-music tradition. The selective bibliography is outstanding. Useful as a college text and highly recommended to public libraries.-Bonnie Jo Dopp, Montgomery Cty. P.L., Rockville, Md.

Library Journal

Provides an in-depth survey of music for piano solo, focusing on the fine-art or classical tradition, for students and teachers at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. Overviews the literature on piano music from the 17th century to the late 20th century in its historical context, tracing the development of composers' styles, and discusses compositions for piano duet and two pianos. Includes music examples and b&w illustrations. An extensive bibliography contains some 1,100 sources. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews