Selected Recent Beethoven and Beethoven-Related Publications (2006-2007) Including Fiction and Children's Books (2005-2008)

THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS OF BOOKS AND SCORES recently acquired by Beethoven Center are intended to aid readers in selecting new publications that appeal to their individual interests. Pan I, Books for General Reader, encompasses biographies, histories, repertory guides and other reference books, and introductory texts appropriate for music student. Also included are works of fiction, poetry, and children's books. Part II, Books for Specialist, lists items of a highly analytical or philosophical focus intended for readers with substantial knowledge of music. In those cases where authors have identified their book as being for general reader or specialist, we have accepted their categorization. Part III lists critical editions and other selected scores. To obtain books while simultaneously benefiting American Beethoven Society, please order them online through MyCause (www.MyCause.com/Beethoven). The Society receives a percentage of sales of books and other merchandise purchased through MyCause participant dealers (including Barnes & Noble). For those publications not available through Barnes & Noble, please contact your local bookseller. To order Beethoven-Haus publications directly, visit website of their distributor, Cams Verlag (http://www.carus-verlag.com/Beethoven. html). I. Books for General Reader IA. Books in English Gerig, Reginald R. Famous Pianists and Their Technique. Rev. ed. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2007. xxiii, 608 pp. ISBN 978-0-253-34855-5 (paperback): $29.95. Originally published in 1974, revised edition of this classic study of keyboard traces historical developments, schools, methods, and most influential teachers. A chapter on the dynamic Beethoven technique covers Beethoven's development as a fortepianist, relying on usual sources (Thayer, Czerny, Schindler). It continues with an exploration of pianists heavily influenced by Beethoven, including Czerny, Liszt, Schumann circle, and later Leschetizky, Schnabel, and many others. The book culminates in a chapter that outlines ten considerations for developing an enlightened piano These considerations are aesthetics, mental and psychological control, an intellectual grasp of basic technical knowledge, isolated movements, coordinated movements, muscular coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, means for specific technical development, and historical perspectives of fortepiano technique. The appendix, an addition in this revised edition, provides an annotated index to each of these ten considerations as they appear in die earlier chapters. For example, under aesthetic imperative, readers will find discussions of how vocal art influenced development of Beethoven's and his use of pedal. Beethoven references appear frequently throughout book, so addition of these categorized indexes is very useful. Also useful are supplements to extensive bibliography. Gustav Klimt, The Beethoven Frieze, and Controversy over Freedom of Art. Edited by Stephan Koja with texts by Stephan Koja, Manfred Koller, Verena Perlhefter, Rosa Sala Rose, Carl E. Schorske, Alice Strobl, and Franz AJ. Szabo. Munich: Prestel, 2006. 208 pp. ISBN 978-3-791 3-3757-9 (hardback): $65. The Viennese secession, founded in 1897, was inspired by idea of Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art). Gustav Klimt was a major force behind this movement. His exploration of psyche, experiences, and driving motivations of modern mankind found expression in one of his major creations, Beethoven Frieze, a work that scandalized Viennese society with its sexual imagery and symbolism. In ensuing debate over its value, Frieze came to represent power of art to overcome hostilities of life and become a refuge from life's brutal realities. This book, which accompanied an exhibition at Fundacion Juan March in Madrid, centered on Klimt's Beethoven Frieze as a means of exploring issues of artistic freedom in creation of public art. …