(Click on photo to see larger image) As a student of Ludwig van Beethoven and teacher of Franz Liszt, Carl Czerny (1 791-1857) holds a distinguished position in music history. A prolific composer and gifted pianist, his works for piano have survived to influence generations of pianists. Relentlessly embracing the changes and ever-increasing technical demands that occurred in piano literature in the 19th century, Czerny combined his ability to analyze technique and his years of teaching experience into developing exercises that would increase the skills and ability of the piano student. Czerny's The School of Velocity, Opus 299, Complete, is edited by Willard Palmer, one of America's most respected teachers and clinicians. This complete edition is an excellent source of material for expanding the technical facility of today's pianist. Alfred's edition of this time-honored exercise book will continue to be pivotal in the development of pianists for years to come. Bernardo Bellotto's (1720-1780) paintings are known for their precision and beauty. He traveled throughout Europe before becoming a court painter in Warsaw, where his paintings were considered so accurate that, after World War II, they were used as a model for rebuilding the war-damaged city. On his way to Warsaw, Bellotto spent time in Vienna, Czerny's birthplace and home for most of his life. Bellotto's Vienna, viewed from the Belvedere was chosen for this cover because his technical expertise and attention to detail have much in common with Czerny's own devotion to excellence. ( ~~ REGULAR LIST PRICE: $10.95 ~~ ) |
