Susan Tomes is a concert pianist and writer. Renowned both as a soloist and as the pianist of Domus and the Florestan Trio, she is the author of numerous works including Beyond the Notes, Sleeping in Temples, and Speaking the Piano.
“Susan Tomes . . . casts her net widely, taking in chamber music
and concertos, knotty avant-garde masterworks and (most welcome)
jazz. Her inclusions and omissions are equally
fascinating.”—Richard Fairman, Financial Times, “Best Books of
2021: Classical Music”
“[One of] the most beautiful books I got my hands on this year . .
. about the shaping of this maddening, glorious, unconquerable
instrument.”—Jenny Colgan, The Spectator, “Books of the Year”
“It’s a love letter to the instrument that connects [Tomes] and her
audiences to the genius of those who created such captivating
sounds across the centuries” —George Hamilton, Irish
Independent
“What an interesting, entertaining, and enthusiastic guide. . . . A
book that should appear on every pianophile’s wishlist.”—Michael
MacMillan, Pianist
“Susan Tomes has chosen great pieces from across the centuries and
brings them alive with just enough historical, biographical and
musical context.”—Gulliver Ralston, Literary Review
“A genuinely inspiring and rewarding study. . . . Tomes writes like
a dream and with such elegance, her erudition worn so lightly and
her ‘insider knowledge’ dispensed so generously, that even those
with a minimal interest in the subject must want to share this
journey with her.”—Jeremy Nicholas, Gramophone
“This is a hugely stimulating book that inspires and enlightens.
The overall message is positive, highlighting the huge surge in the
piano’s popularity during the Covid pandemic. A fascinating and
invaluable resource for music lovers, teachers and
students.”—Murray McLachlan, International Piano
“This wide-ranging history of the piano takes in everything from
Bach, Haydn and Mozart to the the jazz styles of Joplin, Waller and
Tatum.”—Ken Walton, The Scotsman
“This comprehensive, informative and highly readable celebration of
the piano and its literature is a must for pianophiles and music
lovers, and for those who play, a book to keep close by the
instrument to refer to, dip into, and cherish.”—ArtMuseLondon
“Quite simply an essential purchase for any piano enthusiast,
offering as it does a veritable feast of salient information and
insight into the instrument and music which we love so
much.”—Andrew Eales, Pianodao
“Tomes allows herself a framework of 100 works on which to hang the
entire history of piano music, except she goes further and wider. .
. . All this could become heavy going in writing a style that flits
between historical context and programme note-style analysis, but
we have Tomes’ decision to include pieces that ‘involve
piano’—sonatas with additional solo instrument, piano trios, even
concertos—to thank for alleviating potential overkill.”—The
Scotsman, “Scottish Books of 2021”
“The most remarkable thing about this beautiful book is the unique
insights being shared by a musical performer. . . . The appeal of
this particular volume lies in its approach to, and expression of,
musical meaning and truth from a performer’s point of view (and
hearing).”—Harvey Richardson, Methodist Recorder
“A joyous celebration of the piano. . . . There are many delightful
insights into how the music actually feels to play. . . .
Biographical and historical material is well covered with a light,
non-polemical touch. The selection is no means restricted to
classical music.”—Julian Jacobson, Musical Opinion
“A superb masterpiece, packed with detail, yet eloquently
presenting important moments in the history (and pre-history) of
piano music and how it has inspired us all—composers, musicians,
and listeners—for more than 200 years.”—John Gilhooly, director of
Wigmore Hall
“Susan Tomes writes as elegantly and lucidly as she plays the
piano. Here she offers the perfect guide to the world of musical
riches that the instrument at its best can be. This is a
treasurable book for committed pianophiles and newcomers
alike.”—Jessica Duchen, novelist and music writer
“This is a delightful and valuable book.
Susan Tomes presents a generous history of piano
literature with wonderful lucidity, understanding and conviction.
Love of the piano and its music shines through every
page—professional musicians and music-loving enthusiasts alike will
be captivated.”—Steven Isserlis, cellist
“Susan Tomes explains why this beloved instrument has been at the
heart of our musical lives, on stage and at home, from its
invention up to the present day. Her love for the instrument, and
the music which its composer-lovers have written for it over
centuries, is infectious and instructive. A book to keep near your
piano.”—Stephen Hough, pianist
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
