Harold C. Schonberg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic whose extensive knowledge of classical music shines through in his landmark work, The Lives of the Great Composers. This essential volume offers insightful portraits of music's most important figures.
The great pianists
The great pianists
Synopsis
From the 'fabulous legato' of Mozart to the 'oceanlike surge' of Beethoven, and Clara Schumann's 'sharp as a pencil sketch' touch to Rubinstein's 'volcanic and sensual playing,' this book vividly portrays the brilliant and sometimes eccentric personalities of history's greatest pianists. Harold C. Schonberg offers detailed accounts of their performances, styles, and personal lives, including anecdotes like Liszt's magnetic effect on women and Gottschalk's nail-biting habit. Featuring profiles of legendary performers such as Horowitz and Van Cliburn, alongside modern pianists like de Larrocha and Gould, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of piano virtuosos past and present.
