This book examines the functions of sculpture during the Preclassic period in Mesoamerica and its significance in statements of social identity. Julia Guernsey situates the origins and evolution of monumental stone sculpture within a broader social and political context and demonstrates the role that such sculpture played in creating and institutionalizing social hierarchies. This book focuses specifically on an enigmatic type of public; monumental sculpture known as the potbelly that traces its antecedents to earlier; small domestic ritual objects and ceramic figurines. The cessation of domestic rituals involving ceramic figurines along the Pacific slope coincided not only with the creation of the first monumental potbelly sculptures; but with the rise of the first state-level societies in Mesoamerica by the advent of the Late Preclassic period. The potbellies became central to the physical representation of new forms of social identity and expressions of political authority during this time of dramatic change.
#1484454 in eBooks 2012-05-16 2012-05-16File Name: B008PBDMYW
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy D.SayerVery useful information weather for casual reading or study.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Best book about romantic piano playingBy ElecedThis well researched book is very timely. Todays pianists have moved so far away from the romantic style of playing. that music by Chopin. Liszt and the like now sounds the same. No variations from the score are allowed. And yet. as the author points out. whos to say the score is correct. And why must todays pianists be so exacting? This refreshing book suggests its time to re-examine the performance practices of the 19th Century. It is ok to arpeggiate. to introduce rubato. to play the theme note ahead or behind the accompaniment. This pleases me immensely. as my main source of piano music is through piano roll recordings. where the pianists are all born in the 19th century. To have a professional musician and academic such as Perez Da Costa championing a return to some of the romantic piano playing practices is therefore exciting. When professional pianists and piano teachers read this book. perhaps at last there might be a push away from the cold. unemotional playing that is now the norm. Thank you Neal for such a wonderful book.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. "Off the Record" - The Classical Piano Book of the Century!By Habanero BakerIf there ever was a book that anyone who has studied and/or played classical piano should have. this is it. Under the tutelage of the historical practice expert. Clive Brown. Dr. Neal Peres Da Costa has brought forth the very first comprehensive analysis of how the piano was played at the time the actual compositions were written. His painstaking narrative shows among other things that the music was originally played in mostly a rolled chord fashion. and not todays block chord style. Further. in order to enhance the melodic line. the soprano note was often played slightly after the corresponding bass note. His final two chapters on historical rhythmic practice show how the emphasis of performers at this time was on musicality. as opposed to the modern practice of metronomic perfection. All of these elements are illustrated in extensive recorded examples in the accompanying website to the book. Here. Dr. Peres Da Costa has assembled a list of pieces. originally recorded in the early 20th century. which have been re-recorded with beautiful clarity. Each piece is cross-referenced page by page in his book. "Off the Record" is a true historical document. which I am sure will very shortly become required reading for all who will study the piano for centuries to come.
