Skowroneck Tilman. Beethoven the Pianist

Cambridge University Press. 2010. — 285 pp., pix. — ISBN: 978-0-521-11959-
7. — (Musical Performance and Reception).The widely held belief that Beethoven was a rough pianist, impatient with his instruments, is not altogether accurate: it is influenced by anecdotes dating from when deafness had begun to impair his playing. Presenting a new, detailed biography of Beethoven's formative years, this book reviews the composer's early career, outlining how he was influenced by teachers, theorists and instruments. Skowroneck describes the development and decline of Beethoven's pianism, and pays special attention to early pianos, their construction and their importance for Beethoven and the modern pianist. The book also includes new discussions of legato and Beethoven's trills, and a complete annotated review of eyewitnesses' reports about his playing. Skowroneck presents a revised picture of Beethoven which traces his development from an impetuous young musician into a virtuoso in command of many musical resources.Aсknowledgements
Abbreviations and conventionsBeethoven, his playing, and his instrumentsBeethoven's early training
Beethoven the pianist
Beethoven first decade in Vienna
The 1803 Érard Grand Piano
Sound Ideal and PerformanceThe builder's influence
The player's influence
Sound Ideal, Notation, and Stylistic ChangeCommon touch and legato
The performance of Beethoven's trills
Epilog