Encyclopedia of American Classical Pianists: 1800s to the Present

This book explores the lives, careers, and musical contributions of American pianists from the nation's beginnings to the present, including important collaborative pianists and pedagogues. It is organized in an encyclopedic A-Z format and includes current active performers as well as historical women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ pianists. The research for entries will be based on archival research, period newspapers, interviews with living pianists, and other primary sources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 486 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive and meticulously researched book delves into the lives, careers, and musical contributions of American pianists from the early days of the nation to the present. Each pianist is given an in-depth entry that explores their life's work, including relevant biographical details, musical career, and significant impact on American musical culture. Additionally, a comprehensive list and brief discussion of existing and available recordings for each pianist are provided, if applicable. The book also features important collaborative pianists and pedagogues, many of whom never had significant performing careers but produced influential students.

The book is organized in an encyclopedic A-Z format, with an introduction that contextualizes these pianists within historical trends. Extensive research will be conducted using archival materials, period newspapers, interviews with living pianists, and other primary sources to compile the entries.

In addition to covering historical pianists, the book also showcases current active performers who have made significant contributions to the field. Names such as Jeremy Denk and Marilyn Nonken are included, highlighting the diversity and richness of American piano artistry.

Furthermore, the book pays special attention to historical women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ pianists who have faced significant barriers and challenges in their careers but have achieved remarkable success. Examples include Augusta Cottlow, a Busoni pupil who toured widely in the early 20th century and was a favorite pianist of President Harry Truman; George Copeland, an openly gay Bostonian who studied with Debussy and was one of the first to perform the Frenchman's works in the United States in the early 20th century; and Natalie Hinderas, a mid-20th-century African American pianist who was the first African American to perform a concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra and recorded a disc of piano music by African American composer.

Through its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis, this book provides a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and students interested in the history and evolution of American piano music. It sheds light on the contributions of these pianists and their impact on the broader musical landscape of the United States.

Weight: 1234g
Dimension: 264 x 185 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538171462