The volume presents two book by Walter Gieseking, foremost pianist of
his generation, and his teacher for five years, Karl Leimer, that have
long been sought after by students and teachers looking for a radical
approach toward developing not only finger-technique but
expression-technique. Emphasis throughout is on listening to one's self
and proper understanding as the basis of proper technique for the
piano.
In book one, originally titled The Shortest Way to Pianistic
Perfection, Gieseking and Leimer work with a series of piano works -- a
study from Lebert and Stark, Bach's Two- and Three-Part Inventions in C,
and Beethoven's Sonata in F Minor, Op. 2, No. 1. Before beginning to
play, the student is asked to visualize each piece through silent
reading. Through Leimer's instruction in this area the student soon
discovers how to approach each piece as not merely a series of notes to
memorize but as a coherent musical structure to understand. Following
are instructions on natural interpretation, with consideration of touch,
relaxation, and proper emphasis in the practice. Also given are notes on
such topics as etudes, scales, broken chords, the trill, and
tranquility.
In book two, Rhythmics, Dynamics, Pedal and Other Problems of Piano
Playing, Leimer carries his method of visualization further with a
study of the Allemande from Bach's French Suite in E Major. Following
are further exercises and practices for developing other pianistic
technique with reference to works of other composers. Specific exercises
which cover rhythmics, dynamics, and phrasing are designed so that they
will benefit not only the pianist but also performers on other
instruments. Extensive chapters on variety of touch and the pedal give a
great number of techniques and exercises for extending the expressive
and dynamic range.
