Leschetizky's Fundamental Principles of Piano Techniques

Reprint of The Modern Pianist, Theo. Presser, Philadelphia, 1903.

Polish-born prodigy Theodor Leschetizky (1830-1915) studied with Carl Czerny and went on to an international career as both a pianist and conductor. His greatest fame lies in his teaching method: the most celebrated piano instructor of his era, he taught at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and later in Vienna. His students included such luminaries as Ignacy Paderewski and Artur Schnabel.

Another of the great teacher’s prize students, Marie Prentner, recorded the principles and techniques of the celebrated Leschetizky Method. Authentic and complete in its presentation, Prenter's guide features numerous illustrations, exercises, and examples from piano literature. The two-part treatment begins with explanations of hand and finger positions and proceeds to discussions of the pianist’s touch, covering such topics as diatonic and chromatic scales; trills, chords, and arpeggios; double notes, thirds, and sixths; and octaves. The second part focuses on musical performance, offering advice on playing Bach and Handel, and explaining the fundamentals of rhythm, pedaling, melody, practice techniques, and musical culture.

Difficult to locate in the past, this legendary manual promises to assist and enlighten a new generation of students and teachers.