The first English paperback edition of the unique collection of documents which reveal Chopin as teacher and interpreter of his own music. From the accounts of his pupils, acquaintances and contemporaries, together with his own writing, we gain valuable insight into Chopin's pianistic and stylistic practice, his teaching methods and his aesthetic beliefs. The documents are divided into two categories: those concerning technique and style, two notions inseparable in Chopin's mind, and those concerning the interpretation of Chopin's works. Extensive appendix material presents Chopin's essay 'Sketch for a method', as well as annotated scores belonging to Chopin's pupils and acquaintances, and personal accounts of Chopin's playing as experienced by his contemporaries: composers and pianists, pupils and friends, writers and critics. The statements of Chopin's own students in diaries, letters and reminiscences, written, dictated or conveyed by word of mouth, provide the bulk of these accounts. Throughout the book detailed annotations add a valuable scholary dimension, creating an indispensable guide to the authentic performance of Chopin's piano works.

‘ … truly a book about the way Chopin played the piano, and about the way he interpreted his own music … Anyone interested in Chopin will be grateful to Eigeldinger.’

Charles Rosen Source: The New York Review of Books

‘ … the book is really indispensable to the serious student of Chopin. Almost all those reading it will find their view of the composer made sharper and truer than before.’

Nicholas Temperley Source: MLA Notes