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Undoubtedly a professionally proficient pianist, of high pedigree, at times intimidating. Best parts are reflections on Anton Rubinstein, his teacher and model for excellence. Second half of book is Q&A. It was cool to briefly hear about 'dumb pianos' (I'm constrained to practicing on a digital piano but wish for an acoustic one). This whole book is restricted to the turn of the century, so it predates radio and recordings. Hofmann comments that he could not hear Liszt play because he was sixteen when the legend passed away. Today, well, what do you mean you've never heard Liszt play? All these guys are gone. Even for Hofmann, he more or less admitted that his generation was not on par w/that of Liszt, Rubinstein, Chopin, Thalberg et. al.
This is for pianists that take themselves seriously for it brooks no mediocrity. It's not a technical book but the tone of Hofmann is one of delicacy & mastery. Aspirants like myself will be reminded regularly that there are levels, and levels, and more levels above those levels. Hofmann had a brilliant father, who was a musician himself, and who took the boy to see performances of pianists. He had from quite early on, built a repertoire, and blessedly landed under the tutelage a titan, the one Anton Rubinstein. His career was destined to be successful. He's a pretty good pedagogue, there are many tidbits of wisdom or guidance regarding the shape of the hand & fingers, or the position of the feet, or whether or not scales are useful. His comments on legato were illuminating. All in all, solid, valuable read.
This is for pianists that take themselves seriously for it brooks no mediocrity. It's not a technical book but the tone of Hofmann is one of delicacy & mastery. Aspirants like myself will be reminded regularly that there are levels, and levels, and more levels above those levels. Hofmann had a brilliant father, who was a musician himself, and who took the boy to see performances of pianists. He had from quite early on, built a repertoire, and blessedly landed under the tutelage a titan, the one Anton Rubinstein. His career was destined to be successful. He's a pretty good pedagogue, there are many tidbits of wisdom or guidance regarding the shape of the hand & fingers, or the position of the feet, or whether or not scales are useful. His comments on legato were illuminating. All in all, solid, valuable read.
