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Review

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. NoteworthyBy Alan E. BarberI begin with a paraphrase from Rosens book; "A review should cultivate a certain humility before a really fine pianist and writer." Rosen is both. In fact; the man is so talented as to be somewhat intimidating. Not only is he a world-class pianist; he has written volumes on various musical subjects; holds a doctorate in French literature from Princeton; and has served on the faculty at the University of Chicago. He is one of Americas remaining public intellectuals.Rosens earlier works; "Sonata Forms;" "The Classical Style;" and "The Romantic Generation;" have all entered the canon of works that are absolutely essential for the well-informed musician and critic. "Piano Notes" takes a lighter approach: it is part memoir; part anecdote; always highly opinionated; with some choice gossip thrown in. Often; his tongue is firmly planted in cheek. In other words; its great reading.In relatively few well-chosen words; Rosen offers his considered opinions on topics as diverse as Bach performance; piano tuning and regulation; shenanigans in the recording studio; piano conservatories and competitions; the uses and misuses of concerts and recitals; and the best method of piano practicing for pure technique--reading while practicing; but scrupulously avoiding poetry and "really admirable prose" because these interfere with the rhythm of the music. "The most useful; I have found for myself; are detective stories; sociology and literary criticism. However; any reading matter that distracts the mind without engaging the senses or the emotions too powerfully will work." (p. 40).Rosen believes the traditional piano recital; complete with grand piano; darkened hall; and the costumed pianist as high priest; is on the way out; largely because of the relative ease of acquiring fine recorded performances of most of the repertoire. I for one hope hes wrong. There is something marvelous; as Rosen points out; in caressing those ivory and ebony keys; and having music come out. The person who has never experienced that will never understand the blissful expression on the faces of so many pianists when they can share music with others. But those of us lucky enough to have felt music flow from our fingers and to have placed themselves and others under its thrall; will completely understand when Rosen when rhapsodizes of the pianists fetishistic need for physical contact with the ebony and ivory; and of the inexpressible beauty that results.An update end of year 2012: My most recent copy of the New York Review of Books; where Rosen published an amazing number of pithy; often controversial but always interesting essays; discloses that he passed away the in the latter part of this year. Rosens passing is a loss to be mourned by every person who found herself enthralled by his superb writing or his equally magisterial piano performances. I will certainly miss the Maestro; and will regret not being able to look forward to his next tome. Ive tried to collect them all. RIP; dear Charles Rosen; we are so much the poorer for your passing.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Do you play piano? Buy this book!By Anthony J. LomenzoIts getting so that if Charles Rosen announced a forthcoming book on the collective memories of his summer vacations during his youth kind of thing; I would buy it! Bottom line; and obviously what Im saying here is that I like the way he writes all of his books; what he has to say and how he says it! A style that both holds and informs if you will. So too; hes "been the road" so the contents of these books draw on the cumulative wealth of his experiences whether its a discussion of Beethovens sonatas; the classical era itself and its stand-outs or this present book on the world of the pianist.Regardless of ones level of experience on the piano; this book is an excellent read from a man who knows what he is talking about. It is NOT a book zeroing in on posture or breathing or "dont bang the keys" recitations or lectures but rather a nitty-gritty practical tome that touches on various areas and what life with the keys is all about. The ups and the downs and all in between.BTW; if books like these appeal to you written by folks who have "been there; done that" albeit well verifiably so as is the case with Mr. Rosen; and as they equally appeal to me when I can locate such informative tomes; and as a classical oriented player making no excuses for literally loving the classical war-horse pieces; check out "Piano Pieces" by Russell Sherman [New England Conservatory]. Another great read!Doc Tony15 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Very informativeBy PuppyTalkThe book is very light in your hand to hold; and very easy to read. Even though the contents are sometimes very technical and professional; Mr. Rosen made it easy and light enough for non-professionals to be able to understand. He tells about piano as an instrument; its mechanics; its charm; and how you can achieve to get the best out of the instrument. My piano hasnt been tuned in 10 years; because Im so afraid that the piano tuner I choose may ruin it (it happened once). Now I know a lot more about the instrument and its mechanics; Ill know what to tell the tuner about my piano.Also I was delighted to learn the importance of the piano stool; and how its height can affect your performance.He also tells you about what is essential to survive in the highly competitious classical piano world. Im not a professional pianist; but I do a lot of creative works (painting; writing; composing); and his points made a great deal of sense.Its a very imformative book which you will not regret reading.