Reference

More than 500 people are involved in the creation of just one of the world's greatest pianos, the Steinway. From the selection and aging of wood to the delicate voicing of the finished instrument, this special reissue of 88 Keys - The Making of a Steinway Piano relates the story behind the instrument's intricate formation, as told by Miles Chapin, a fifth-generation descendant of Steinway's founder, Henry Engelhard Steinway. Readers will learn about how the piano gets its trademark curve, the belly men who fit the metal harp to the wooden frame, the carvers who shape the piano's legs and pedal lyre, and the many other craftspeople who have perfected their specialized contributions to the finished product. They'll also get an insider's look into the company's history against a timeline of major worldwide music events, and into the roles of piano greats, including Anton Rubinstein and Sergei Rachmaninoff, in contributing to its prominence. A glossary of technical terms is included. For music lovers, aspiring musicians, and pianists everywhere.

Created on the occasion of the Juilliard School's 100th anniversary in 2005, this book offers an unprecedented look at Juilliard's historic stringed instrument collection. The collection, assembled over the course of the last century through generous gifts of instruments and funds to the school, is vividly represented by photographic and narrative accounts of 25 instruments (and three bows) of particular historic interest by such illustrious makers as Amati, Bergonzi, Guadagnini, Guarneri, Stradivari, and others, as well as reproductions of historic documents and an annotated list of other instruments and bows. Among the featured instruments are a Stradivarius violin that once belonged to a Russian czar and was later owned by Avery Fisher, a Guarneri del Ges violin played by a member of the Viennese quartet that premiered many of Beethoven's and Schubert's works in that genre, and a Stradivarius cello previously owned by Hugo Becker, head of the Berlin Hochschule fr Musik. Short essays sketch the history of Juilliard and its illustrious string department, and describe the crucial role of the Instrumental Loan Program, which allows students to borrow instruments for special performances and competitions as well as for longer-term use. The book includes a foreword by renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, a Juilliard alumnus and holder of the school's Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation Chair since 1999.

What's it like to grow up on a small farm in Illinois only to find yourself, some 20 years later, performing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House? And then to travel the world, singing in historic theaters from La Scala in Milan to Vienna, Paris, London, and beyond? Former Met star Sherrill Milnes tells all in this completely updated, first-time-in-paperback edition of his very successful biography.

President of The Juilliard School and then of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts during the years 1945-1968, Schuman (1910-1992) was an artistic catalyst who was instrumental in shaping how America perceived and supported music, dance and drama in the second half of the twentieth century. His influence as an arts administrator, educator and composer caused him to be considered at one time as probably the most powerful figure in the world of art music. Complex, driven, and filled with a confident optimism that characterized America at the time, Schuman thought of himself as a part of many different worlds. Those worlds included his life as a composer of more than one hundred works in orchestral, choral, chamber, and operatic settings. His music has been characterized as full of American directness in its vibrant rhythms and brilliant orchestrations. This first-ever complete biography of Schuman brings the many threads of his life together within the context of the personalities and events that shaped how we experience the arts in America in the twenty-first century.

This is the only complete and up-to-date book profiling every major pianist (thousands) and their essential repertoire and recordings. This third edition is completely revised (second edition: 1995 Harvest Books, ISBN# 0-15-600019-9), with hundreds more entries and updated information about existing entries. The book contains a CD for the first time featuring rare performances. For all those interested in the piano, this book will provide great insight and knowledge. It must be read by everyone who loves the instrument. - Vladimir Horowitz The Art of the Piano is the best companion a piano aficionado could ask for. - Baltimore Sun

Astor Piazzolla, brilliant, iconoclastic tango musician and composer, has become a national hero in Argentina and a cult figure for classical and jazz lovers worldwide, but only after a lifetime of controversy and struggle.The outspoken, headstrong Piazzolla told his story to journalist and longtime fan Natalio Gorin in the spring of 1990 in a series of frank interviews.Among the firsthand observations of others who knew Piazzolla well are those of his lyricist Horacio Ferrer, his fellow musicians, and his colleagues. Translator Fernando Gonzalez, an Argentine native and American popular music critic who covered Piazzollas career in the United States, has annotated the Amadeus edition for the widening audience that is rediscovering Astor Piazzolla.

The most comprehensive and widely used Broadway reference book has been expanded and updated to include nearly 400 of the most important and memorable productions of the American musical theatre, including revivals. Chronologically arranged beginning with The Black Crook in 1866, the sixth edition adds entries on numerous musicals from recent years, including The Lion King, Hairspray, The Producers, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Avenue Q, and others. Features a wealth of statistics, including: music and lyrics information; names of producers, directors and choreographers; cast lists; New York run dates; songs; and more. Also includes inside information, info on critical reception, and pithy commentary about each show.

Maria Callas returned to the stage in 1971 to teach master classes at Juilliard. This intriguing forum later inspired Terrence McNally's acclaimed play Master Class. Outspoken and uncompromising in her artistic beliefs, Callas worked through her legendary arias from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, and others. John Ardoin brilliantly captures the insights of a thoughtful singer who reveals herself to be not the imperious diva of her reputation, but a supremely self-aware artist concerned with passing along a great musical tradition.

Drawing on the personal recollections of the Caruso brothers, archival material preserved by the family, and extensive research, this book is a rare tribute to to the man and his vocal legacy. This abridged edition includes the full original text covering Caruso's life and death, plus a current discography.

Evenings with Horowitz details a special friendship between two musicians. The book is a vivid account of their mutual passion for music and the piano. It reflects the struggles and triumphs of Vladimir Horowitz, a flaming genius who was also insecure and fearful of old age and the loss of his powers. In his conversations with the author, the Maestro reveals the agony and the ecstasy of a pianist's career and his love and awe for the great composers whose music he played. Dubal, broadcaster, concert pianist, and faculty member at Juilliard, draws upon his knowledgeable background to produce a fascinating portrait of the brilliant and electrifying pianist Vladimir Horowitz ... Discussions ensued on repertoire, stylistic interpretations, tastes of audiences, other famous pianists, favored composers, and even such non-musical topics as care of animals, modern-day presidents, and American youth. Dubal provides a rare and intimate glimpse of Horowitz and illustrates the precariousness of accommodating the temperament of a genius. - Library Journal