Reading about piano technique?

[jollisg]

Hi!

For some days I have been thinking about buying a book, "Famous pianists and their technique". As far as I understand, it seems like a book about piano technique and stuffs like that. Is it recommended to read things like that, or is it just a waste of time?

I'm thankful for answeres
/JollisG

[stephenv]

Not a waste of time...however, the "overwhelm" factor is a possibility.  There is a great deal of information included in this book regarding the development of piano playing, technique etc.  I would recommend it as a reference taken in small doses. The book can be used in that fashion, i.e. check-in and read a bit about umm lets say the Leschetizky.  Gerig gives you information regarding the influences that shaped Leschetizky's teaching approach.  For example both Leschetizky and Matthay were influeced by pianists of the day.  Leschetizky heard  a pianist, Julius Schulhoff and was deeply influenced by Schulhoff's playing This experience inspired Leschetizky to strive for the ulitmate beautiful piano tone in his teaching.  Likewise, Matthay was deeply moved on hearing Anton Rubenstein and from that experience set about developing his teaching approach..  Now if this kind of stuff interests you ...then you'd enjoy Gerig's book.  Plus he goes to great lenghts to explain the details of various "school's" of piano teaching etc.

There is another book about pianists that you might find interesting: The Great Pianists, by Harold Schonberg.  Schonberg includes more information about personalities and mannerisms in his book.  The overwhelm factor seems minimal.  And the infomation proves fascinating.

[jollisg]

Thanks for replying!
I will check that book too