Probably the finest book ever produced on the history of the piano, this impressive 248-page book traces the history and development of the piano from square, cabinet and console instruments produced by Broadwood, Clementi and others through to upright and grand pianos developed by Erard, Pleyel and Wornum. Later chapters cover piano construction perfected by Bluthner, Bechstein, Steinway & Sons - latterly by Yamaha and Fazioli. Notable chapters cover Autoplayer Pianos, Steinway & Sons and the influence of Japanese piano makers.
The dual English/Italian text is lavishly complimented by a profusion of colour plates of period instruments together with data on manufacturing rates, sales statistics and technical information. The Italian author of "Piano Dream," Atanasio Cecchini, has drawn inspiration for the book from his remarkable collection of over 150 pianos and countless artefacts together with over 40 years' experience in the restoration of period pianos.
The author, a piano dealer, but especially a lover of the instrument, by virtue of his profession, has had the chance to buy, sell, collect and analyse thousands of pianos of every make and era.
The book gives us a glimpse into the business side of pianos that would otherwise be difficult to imagine. Atanasio Cecchini recounts the history of the piano together with his actual experiences of business life, with its related anecdotes, memories and feelings, leading the reader along a marvellous journey in time in the midst of musicians, dealers, and piano makers. "Piano Dream" is also a working tool for the people in the trade, a useful handbook replete with thousands of technical data and hundreds of photographs. The author of "Piano Dream" has also benefited from the invaluable collaboration of the pianist and restorer Flavio Ponzi, who in chapter six provides the reader with a detailed account of his experiences as a philological and scientific restorer of some historical pianos that can also be played in piano recitals. "Piano Dream" is more than a book: it is love for the piano, it is a life fulfilled, it is friendship, it is an extraordinary working experience, it is an essential instrument of knowledge for musicians, restorers, dealers and piano lovers everywhere.
UK Mainland Postage is £6.50 for this book it is a big one 2Kg
- 248-page case bound
- Size 325 x 240mm
- ISBN-13: 978-8888772134
- ISBN-10: 8888772138
- The Author
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Preface
- Chapter One - The Piano at the Time of the Industrial Revolution (1770-1830)
- Chapter Two - The Piano in the Victorian and Romantic era (1830-1890)
- Chapter Three - The Art-case and Autoplayer pianos (1890-1930)
- Chapter Four - The Divine Steinway & Sons
- Chapter Five - The Land of the Rising Sun
- Music in Times of War
- Piano Keys
- Behind the Scenes
- Chapter Six - Experience of Romantic piano restoration for piano performance
- Bibliography
Tom