Our 'understanding' of old music allows us only a glimpse of the spirit in which it is rooted. We see that music always reflects the spiritual and intellectual climate of its time. Its content can never surpass the human power of expression, and any gain on one side must be compensated by a corresponding loss on the other." In these essays, Nikolaus Harnoncourt summarizes his views arising from years devoted to the performance of early music. The problem of interpreting historical music is particularly critical in our age, when modern music has little appeal for the listening public. The vacuum left by the absence of a truly living contemporary music is therefore filled by older music. But for performers and audiences to understand music of earlier times, they must learn to comprehend the languages and messages of the past.

    In addition to conversations with Claudio Arrau, it features discussions with four of his renowned musical colleagues: Philip Lorenz, Daniel Barenboim, Garrick Ohlsson, and Sir Colin Davis. 21 photos.

    Points out common errors pianists make, shows the correct way to play basic technical patterns, and gives exercises for improving coordination, strength, and flexibility.

    His scherzos are truly novel metamorphoses of the form — tumultuous emotional outpourings that frequently attain tragic heights. Prepared by Carl Mikuli, Chopin's student and teaching assistant, this edition of these innovative works is particularly authoritative, reflecting Mikuli's knowledge and understanding of Chopin's music. This volume includes: Waltzes Op. 18 Op. 70, Nos. 1–3 Op. 34, Nos. 1–3 E Minor, (Op. posth.) Op. 42 E Major (Op. posth.) Op. 64, Nos. 1–3 Op. 69, Nos. 1–2 Scherzos Opp. 20, 31, 39, 54.

    Over 100 photos.