A page turning memoir of an unforgettable genius and rogue.

In this remarkable study, now an established classic which has remained in print since its first publication in 1971, Charles Rosen surveys the language of the music of the classical period. He concentrates on the three major figures of the time - Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven - because 'it is in terms of their achievements that the musical vernacular can best be defined'. He follows the ...

An exploration of the delights and demands of the piano. It considers various aspects of the instrument: from what makes a beautiful sound to suffering from stage fright, from the physical challenges of playing to tales of great musicians, including Vladimir Horowitz's recording tricks, and why Artur Rubenstein applied hairspray to the keys.

Originally the content of three lectures given in Rome in 1993, this work offers a study of music, as text, as performance, and as listening experience.

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A guide to the piano sonatas of Beethoven. Charles Rosen places the works in context and provides an understanding of the formal principles involved in interpreting and performing this unique repertoire. He also looks at the sonatas individually. There is a free CD of extracts from the sonatas.