Cheap Reflections from the Keyboard: The World of the Concert Pianist (Book) (David Dubal) Price

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Customer Reviews of Reflections from the Keyboard: The World of the Concert Pianist

Great Reading but...
I have been checking the first edition of this book out of the library for years and finally decided to get my own copy.
I really enjoy reading about all of the pianists and like the interview method used. However, I was disappointed in the drawings of the pianists and would have preferred the old photographs used in the first edition. The drawing of Glenn Gould was such a let down when compared to the lovely photograph of Glen enjoying his music that was used in the first edition.

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Very interesting book on concert pianists
These interviews with 45 or so concert pianists, mostly American born and trained, is very insightful for those interested in gathering information on some of the best modern players on the scene today. Though the majority of the interviews are from the early 1980's, the views and opinions expressed by the pianists are still valid today. Most interesting is the honesty of pianist Andre Watts, who admits he is one of the lucky few to have been able to sustain a career in the music business. You will read that the prevailing opinion of most professional pianists is that because of the severe competition, the chances of becoming a concert pianist, even for a talented player, is very, very, very slim, and that they freely admit that they are one of the lucky ones. Also you will read that the life of a concert pianist is difficult, involving alot of traveling, and dealing with instruments that may not always be up to performance standards. Collectors interested in building a superior library of classical CD's will come up with the names of many interesting pianists to investigate further. I owned the first edition of this book when it was released in the 1980's, and have discarded that version and have purchased this new 2nd edition as a replacement.

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The Pianistic Pantheon -- At Last!
This is a must-read for anyone who has ever been interested in the piano, the virtuosi or even the cult of the personality. Here are all the pianistic legends of the late 20th century revealed. Abbey Simon tells how his 8 year old son was his worst critic, Byron Janis explains how he become Horowitz's student, and Rosalyn Turek (a pianist whom I revere) reveals how discovering her interpretive method for playing Bach (which she does better than anybody) came to her in a fever. Each interview gives a clear and telling picture of the artist. Some are stern, some distant and aloof, some quite full of joie-de-vivre, and Dubal etches these personalities clearly in print. Belongs on every music lover's bookshelf.