Menahem Pressler: Artistry in Piano Teaching.

Menahem Pressler: Artistry in Piano Teaching. * Menahem Pressler: Artistry in Piano Teaching, by William Brown.Indiana University Press. 2009. www.iupress.indiana.edu; (800) 842-6796;328 pp. $24.95. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is rare for a musician to achieve universally renowned stature,yet Menahem Pressler has done so not only as a solo pianist and memberof the famous Beaux Arts Trio, but also as a teacher, in particularthrough work at Indiana University since 1955. This book captures an inside view of Pressler's remarkableteaching legacy, his love for music and his personality. A briefbiography is followed by a description of Pressler's influences,background and musical lineage. The majority of the book is dedicated tothe essence of his teaching. Photos and musical excerpts complementdescriptions of Pressler's philosophies regarding all elements ofpiano playing. Much of the book is based on interviews with Presslerhimself and on discussions with more than 100 former students. Biographical information includes everything from the escape ofPressler's family from the Nazi regime to his early training andprofessional career. The general descriptions of his performances andteaching style are comprehensive, yet approachable. The earlier sectionsof the book will be an enjoyable read for a broad audience but laterchapters are primarily relevant for teachers and advanced students.Pedagogical information includes perceptive advice on technique,fingering, interpretation, phrasing, physical approach, tone color,performance preparation, practicing and more. It can be challenging to capture the intimate communication betweenteacher and student. More than 100 pages are devoted to transcriptionsof measure-by-measure performance commentaries on repertoire rangingfrom Bach's Partita No. 2, to Piano Trios by Ravel and Brahms, toBartok's Out of Doors, to Sonatas by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven andProkofiev. Some feedback is perhaps lost in written transcription. Forexample, remarks such as "M. 183. More," or "M. 415. Keepgoing," are vivid, yet nonetheless somewhat ambiguous without thecontext of the actual performance. Having studied at Indiana University for my bachelor, master anddoctor of music degrees, I experienced Pressler's legendarypresence and was fortunate to study with him for a summer semester. Thebook accurately describes his teaching style and the environment ofbeing in his studio. In the course of many years of performing andrecording around the world, I still feel the presence and positiveimpact of Pressler's teaching. For those who did not have theprivilege of a firsthand experience studying with Pressler, this bookoffers an invaluable insight into the world of this outstanding musicianand his teaching.--Review by Heather Schmidt, Toronto, Ontario/LosAngeles, California * The items marked with this symbol can be ordered via the MTNAwebsite through our affiliation with Amazon.com. Go to www.mma.org andchoose Member Services from the Membership option in the main menu barfor more information.