From Library Journal:
As a basic handbook for piano enthusiasts, this is an informative and well-researched volume. The first section offers capsule biographies of pianists through history, alphabetically arranged, that assess the stylistic or pianistic traits of each. Recordings--or, in the case of historical figures, contemporary reports on playing styles--are cited for documentation. The second section presents a critical survey of the important piano literature, solo and concerto, with a selective discography for each, based on the author's comparative listening. The amount of space accorded each pianist, as well as the author's critical commentaries, are of necessity highly subjective; nevertheless, Dubal's choices give us an impression of careful judgment and genuine love of the subject. There are some surprising omissions (e.g., Gilbert Kalish, Christian Zacharias) in the biographical section, but the discography lists many additional performers. In sum, this book incorporates in one volume the kind of useful information contained in an historical work such as Harold Schonberg's The Great Pianists and in the various guides to the piano literature that are available.
- Susan Kagan, Hunter Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review:
". . . a critical appreciation of pianists' talents . . . [a] practical volume." -- American Reference Books Annual, 36th vol.
". . . inclusion of many concert pianists not . . . in standard biographical music dictionaries makes [Dubal's] work important for college music libraries." -- Choice, June 2005
"A reference book that is also compelling reading is a rare book." -- Music Teacher Magazine, June/July 2005
"Dubal presents an amazing wealth of information and does so in a genial but erudite way . . . [a] valuable book." -- American Record Guide, July/August 2005
"Dubal's supple language fits each portrait. . . . This is a bargain treasure. Let it entice, outrage, and inform you." -- Clavier, July/August 2005
"In its new guise, this important title effectively superseded earlier editions and is quite a bargain for libraries; highly recommended." -- Library Journal, February 1, 2005
"an excellent resource book . . . its spine will be getting many creases over the next few years." -- Piano Professional UK, April 2005
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