Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing

By Josef Lhevinne and Josef Lhbevinne

Book Overview

"Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing" is a foundational treatise on the art of the piano, authored by the legendary virtuoso Josef Lhevinne. Designed to demystify the complexities of professional keyboard performance, this work provides a clear and systematic approach to developing a superior technique and a sensitive musical touch. Lhevinne, celebrated for his effortless mastery and tonal beauty, shares the fundamental secrets that define the Russian school of piano playing.

The text covers a wide range of essential topics, including proper hand positioning, the mechanics of finger action, the nuances of staccato and legato, and the critical role of rhythm and ear training. Beyond mere physical exercises, Lhevinne emphasizes the importance of mental focus and the cultivation of a singing tone. Readers will find invaluable insights into the use of the pedals and the intricacies of phrasing, all delivered with the practical wisdom of a world-class educator and performer.

Whether for the aspiring student or the seasoned professional, "Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing" remains an indispensable resource. Its timeless advice bridges the gap between mechanical proficiency and artistic expression, making it a cornerstone of piano pedagogy and a must-read for anyone dedicated to mastering the instrument.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025291344
• ISBN13: 9781025291345
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Gem from a Giant

In a way, I can understand the attitude of the reviewer below who prefers to play the piano with a waffle iron --- that is, who claims all notes sound the same no matter how the keys are struck. What a tragic attitude. But it is true, also, that in the latter half of the 20th Century, much of piano playing was reduced to the mere technicalities of hitting the right notes in the right places at the right time, the poetry of the music pretty much forgotten, displaced by waffle iron tachnique. Lhevinne truly is one of the pianistic giants of the first half of the last century, among the giants of the late Russian romantic school. Schonberg (I think it was) wrote of him as among the pantheon of performers, along with his colleagues Levitzky, Rosenthal, Rubenstein and such youngsters as Horowitz and the forever young Earl Wild. Rachmaninov said Lhevinne had the greatest left hand technique of any pianist. His few recordings, even though not re-mastered, leave you breathless. I am willing to enjoy the idiocyncratic few pages of such a giant. If you were into baseball, wouldn't you enjoy a few pages of Joe diMaggio? Of course, probably not, if you use a waffle iron instead of a bat.

Worth every page

Perhaps the previous reviewer did not take note of the title - "Basic Principles in Piano Forte Playing", which is just what it is - nothing more, nothing less. Josef Lehvinne is of the old school of thinking, namely, he believes that only meisters should be teaching how to play music, although he grudgingly acknowledges that demand outstrips supply and American "method" teaching has reached acceptable standards. I dread what he would think of me trying to teach myself. I could make fun of his attitude, but in reality he is a perfectionist, and that is what it really takes to make an outstanding musician of any instrument. Furthermore, he shares in a very readable style what is important when mastering the piano. Even a beginner like me can appreciate the value of his very generous advice. Every page has at least one or more important gems, and his style of writing is such that you are sure to remember them!

Wonderful

Josef Lhevinne has done an oustanding job in BASIC PRINCIPLES IN PIANOFORTE PLAYING. He covers many useful topics such as sight-reading, rhythm, practice, using the pedal, legato, but the majority of this book is devoted to the secret of a beautiful tone. Although this book is very short (the material is supposed to be basic, after all), Lhevinne manages to effectively illustrate everything he presents by applying each principle to excerpts from well-known classical pieces. As a pianist who is trying to improve his technique, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is seeking to do the same.

Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing

This book has a wealth of information. It is a both scholarly and concise read, with musical terminology and examples to please serious pianists, but written in a style that is helpful to amateurs as well. Its shorter length and lower price make it an ideal study tool for high school and college piano students.

Not only is he a brilliant pianist, he's a wonderful teacher

Anyone listening to Josef Lhevinne's thirds etude by Chopin (op 25/6) will testify that he's got a wealth of technique, brilliance, and amazing tone. In his encompassing yet concise book he attempts to portray is very artisic beliefs to the reader. This book will help even the most advanced pianist, and the ideas presented are very clear and easy to understand. Lhevinne spares no effort to decorate his book with extensive excerpts by famous composers, mainly Chopin, Rubinstein, Liszt and Schumann. A recommended read for all pianists and anyone who enjoys listening to this great instrument. The book is relevant to all pianists regardless of level.