Piano The Books

"Craig Curry (Arranger)" is misleading on Amazon's part, but an understandable error. The list of arrangers, following the title page, is given in alphabetical order. As his name heads the list, so does his name appear under "arranger". He actually has only a couple arrangements in this book.

Much as I would have to agree that Carol contributed the vast majority of these arrangements, I'm very pleased with her contributions and the contributions of others. There was only one "dog", in my opinion.

Some of the offerings are very unique and especially pleasing: "How Great the Father's Love", "Breathe", and "In Christ Alone" were some that stood out to me, but I found many that I instantly liked and know that I will use.

I found many pieces to be pretty easy to master in a practice session or two, but challenging enough to keep my interest. Additionally, there are several two-pagers that will be a plus when I need a short filler at church for some reason.

All in all, a great collection for a very reasonable price...I highly recommend!

First, let me say that this is a really great book of piano arrangements of predominantly recent Christian praise and worship songs -- what some might call "contemporary Christian music". As an accomplished pianist, and part-time accompanist at my church, I appreciate arrangements that a) provide a challenge, in terms of their level of difficulty, but b) do not require a full-time professional pianist to perform. This book meets that criteria.

One caveat I'll issue, however, is in regard to the representation of the arranger(s). I've seen this book listed here, and elsewhere, showing only Craig Curry's name. Craig is a fine arranger -- and a fellow alumnus of my college -- which was part of my decision in purchasing this book online. Had I been able to leaf through it beforehand, I would have noticed that a) there are many other arrangers, b) the person who actually put the book together was Carol Tornquist (of Word Music, who publishes the book), and c) the vast majority of the arrangements are by Ms. Tornquist herself.

Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy Ms. Tornquist's piano arrangements, and have other books by her, as well. But one of the things I was looking for was a book with a little more variety, a little more exposure to other "styles", etc. -- something Craig Curry (and the other arrangers within this book) provide. For me, though, Ms. Tornquist's arrangements are more... well, "predictable", if that makes sense. They all show remarkable similarities -- in sound, style, and so on. As a result, while I would be more than happy to have 4 or 5 arrangements by her included in such a collection, I was disappointed to find out it was actually the majority of the book.

The range of titles, however, and the inclusion of other arrangers -- such as Bill Wolaver, Jim Hammerly, et. al -- make this an excellent choice that provides many, many quite pleasing arrangements in one collection.

Three hundred years of piano history are presented in a fine book which considers the place of the piano in classical and popular music alike. From the design, manufacturing and styles of the piano to the individuals who made their mark in music history with the piano, this includes a delightful range of color drawings and illustrations along with a lively history certain to delight any avid fan of the instrument.

Call this one an important lesson in the key of life. To celebrate the 300th birthday of everyone's fave instrument, author James Parakilas has written a book at once awesome and astounding, a stunning cultural history, told in vivid detail and ample anecdotes and stunning color photographs, of the musical and social roles that the piano has played in its long and amazing career. (It became so popular, for instance, as the result of not just ingenious mechanical design but also ingenious marketing.) An important book whether your tastes run to Beatles or Berlin, Liszt or Liberace. Tickle on!

The story of Art Tatum has been told too rarely -- it's a delight to have this wonderful book written by an impassioned author. Even more amazing is the gorgeous artwork, also done by Mr. Parker. Strongly recommended.

My eleven year old grandaughter liked this because she takes piano. Liked the fact that it was a true story.

This is by far the best book that you could use for beginning students. It is not overly busy with distracting pictures and too much writing in the margins, like many new books, a huge drawback to the new methods out there... This book has a simple clean font. It has pictures but they are not too busy! It follows a slow and logical progression. This books uses an effective technique of mirroring, where one piece is played in the right hand and then a similar piece is introduced "mirrored" in the left hand. This seems to work very well with my students My biggest concern is that there are a couple of pieces that are somewhat un-politically correct for nowadays. If the publishers could change the wording in those two songs, this book would get 100 percent from me. It really is the best one out there. However, still waiting for something as good to come along that is more hip with the times.

This is an excellent book for young kids beginning to learn the piano. It starts with very simple tunes and gradually introduces more complex elements. Kids who are just beginning to learn the piano can have the pleasure of playing tunes rather than doing monotonous mechanical finger work. However, I am not a musician by a long shot and we do not intend to make our kids into concert pianists. We want our kids to have fun and to learn and enjoy music and this book works wonderfully for us.

Just a note about the pianist that might like this. These arrangements are great for people who are not quite at the point of being able to improvise independently as jazz pianists, but will give you many musical ideas toward that. Many of the arrangers are people you've never heard of, but the style in which they play like Dick Hyman (who has arranged and performed on several Woody Allen movies), you will recognize.

I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginning player - the rhythms are too complex and some of the velocities might be difficult, but for the intermediate to advanced player, you will find challenge and enjoyment in the very rich and harmonically complex arrangements. Keep them coming Steinway!

The arrangements are not technically difficult, but they have lots of accidentals and various rhythms that require close and careful reading. Fortunately, the publishers have produced a beautiful volume, with large, almost oversized, easy-on-the-eyes printing set on heavy paper in a lay-flat binding. In other words, the book itself is as elegant as the arrangements it contains. Also included are the original sheet music settings.

The publisher, www.pinon.com/atlas/, 05/10/97:1997 10th Edition Regular Paperback Now Available TRULY AN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE - The 10th Edition has been authoritatively expanded, enlarged and updated to include over 12,000 names providing ready reference to serial numbers, dates of manufacture, factory locations, a brief history of some manufacturers and other pertinent information. A lifetime has been devoted to developing this unique publication. No other directory gives you such a wealth of factual, historical piano knoledge. Now published by Larry Ashley, Bob Pierce's son

The Pierce Piano Atlas provides a fantastic source of information about manufacturers and the dates pianos were built. Our web site, PianoWorld.com is dedicated to providing information about pianos. We often refer to this book to find the answers our visitors are looking for. Although there are other books that provide this type of information, none seem as complete as the Pierce Atlas.

For the amateur musician, especially the adult piano player, this book is one of the best manuals ever written. It deals in great depth with all aspects of learning, playing and performing. It answers in a very comprehensive and informative way all questions, and doubts, that an amateur (and perhaps many professionals, too) may have about playing the piano or other instruments as well. - This book is a fantastic motivator and is written in a captivating and entertaining manner, one cannot put the book aside without finishing it in the shortest possible time. - A GREAT BOOK !

This book by Dr. Victor Margolis has a great balance of humor and wisdom. The author puts his words on paper like no other. The book is immaginative, interesting and one of those books that you just can't put down. This book is for all who are interested in piano from the beginner to the seasoned pro. I for one am going to buy this book for everyone in my family for the holidays.

after we played it twice together he figured it out - that you need to press keys - and starts happily touching and scratching them when I give him the book. The results are quite pleasant, actually :)

My daughter received this as a gift when her little brother was born over a year ago and it is still one of her favorites. It is easy for little ones to figure out, and they feel very proud when they play each song "all by myself." Younger toddlers will have fun just pressing the keys. Highly recommend!

Dr. Dachman gives us a book that reminds us of an historic event in our country's past, introduces us to a character that we'll want to know better, and pulls it all together into a book that adults and children alike will treasure. The story is sweet and almost believeable, the illustrations are perfect, together what a phenomenal chronicle. The recommended website mentioned in the book made the whole experience so much fun to hear the music and see the book come to life--what a great combination for kids! Can't wait for the next adventure myself!!!

A sweet story for any child with lots of wonderful illustrations and you get to go online and listen to the music! What fun :o)

This book summarizes many artistic elements of performing Bach, but in a very objective, matter-of-fact way. I found much useful content, but the delivery is very academic, and, in many cases, boring. A sense of humor or story-telling would ease reading, and this book has very little of either.

In Playing Bach On The Keyboard, keyboardist and Bach specialist Richard Troeger takes a new look at the Bach keyboard music available - but directs his examination to the nonspecialist player, bringing in historical background and discussions of musical applications of the styles and instruments Bach employed. From the importance of notational details in understanding the composer's intentions to changes in norms between Bach's period and modern times, Playing Bach On The Keyboard provides classical musicians with a wonderful survey of issues in Bach's music