The Great Pianists: From Mozart to the Present Paperback – June 15, 1987

This is one of the best books on pianists to read if you're a musician. I recommend it, highly!

I purchased this book as a gift. I have read it, and from time to time, reference it. Beautifully written, informative. As a pianist that travels fairly extensively, I take it with me. It is enjoyable even as a re-read.

This book basically traces pianists of note, starting from CPE Bach and continuing through to Horowitz and Rubinstein (late 80s). It is very informative and interesting, not at all dry.It is not a biographical work. Only small excerpts of the lives of the pianists are presented and most of the book is dedicated to outlining the style of playing of each. Although, the usual amusing and amazing musical anicdotes are recounted to make for a good read. An important feature is that the information is all set into the context of the day and Schonberg goes to some length to lay out the broad features of each musical era and how this era affected the playing of the particular pianists, and how the pianist may have shaped the era.It gives only a brief outline of most pianists, with a chapter devoted to the giants such as Mozart, Liszt and Hofmann. Some players, such as Bartok, are not given the attention they deserve I think, but this is not often. It is a informal and inspiring overview of the greatest pianists, and is well worth a read.

Mr.Schonberg's book on "The Great Pianists" brought the history of classical pianists to life. The book covered pianists since the piano was invented- from the Bach family in the 18th century up to Paul Jacobs & David Tudor. It is an interesting read of the musical trends of these many periods. I learned that the approach to music in the Romantic period was far different from the goal of being true to the text in our time. As a pianist I have seen the names of pianists like Rafael Joseffy or Harold Bauer as editors of some on the classical sheet music I play, but I knew nothing of them & their time until reading this book. It is a very detailed history of most if not all of the great pianists.

Very readable and full of wonderful info. Very long with small print. Probably great on kindle

I think it is a very handy book! It has been useful and I have found all my questions and information I have need at times. If not, I have to have to find other sources of information. But as I said I have found the book interesting, informative and easy to read.

I liked the abundance of information aboutthe pianists lives.

I have had a copy of this book since I was 13 years old. That copy was missed placed so recently I got a new and more updated copy. It is a history of the piano told from the point of view of the personalities of the pianists themselves by a Pulitzer Prize winning New York times music critic. I warmly recommend this book as an introduction to the great pianists of history.

It is written in a very chronological manner and the writer hooks the reader in!! A must for any musician!

Gift for my musician son and very greatly appreciated to help him use the styles of past famous pianists. Excellent book, well detailed and informative and good value. Arrived quickly and well packaged. One of my better choices of presents to buy this year and one of the best items I have purchased on Amazon. thank you

The book is in good condition

This book is amazing, although no French avalaivle! Every important pianist is described, not only from the musical P.O.V. but alos the way they played, their technique, their physical particularities ... In hree words : A Must Have!

Besides the importance of the content, it becomes a pleasure to read this book. Harold Schonberg traces an excellent historical journey.