Description

PIANO PLAYING WITH PIANO QUESTIONS ANSWEREDBY JOSEF HOFMANNThis famous book by Josef Hofman (1876-1957), a student of Anton Rubenstein and a master of piano technique, was published in 1920.  In the first portion, “Piano Playing”, he offers to piano students the benefit of observations based on his many years of piano studies and public performances.  Hofmann gives much useful advice, such as avoiding the use of a metronome, and refraining from trying to exceed the limits of the piano by playing too loudly or too emotionally. He has many keen insights into how the brain memorizes information. Memorization, says Hofmann, is critical. Of particular value is the second half of the book–“Piano Questions Answered by Josef Hofmann”–which contains answers to 250 questions asked by piano students, which reveal many of Hofmann’s insights that he learned as Rubinstein’s sole pupil and from a lifetime of touring and teaching. Very worthwhile.