Publisher's Synopsis
From the PREFACE:
OF all musical instruments, the Pianoforte is decidedly the most popular, and, with but few exceptions, every composer of instrumental music has written longer or shorter works for it. The interest we take in a composer and performer is certainly enhanced by knowing the country and time of his birth or death, the names, respectively, of his teachers and pupils, what his appointments were, and the distinctions which were conferred on him. To give some short and concise information on these points is the aim of this book, which follows the scheme of the popular and useful "Fach-Lexica," issued at Leipzig by the Bibliographical Institute. It is a special book, which deals only with the Piano, and thus the productions of composers in other branches of the musical art are not within its scope.
A great difficulty in compiling a biographical book is to draw the line between names which should be mentioned and those which should be omitted. Although it was my earnest desire to act in the most impartial manner, I am fully prepared to be accused of injustice done to professors who, in a small sphere of activity, have helped to promote the progress of the art and to awaken interest in it. But to become acquainted with the names of musicians and teachers who have not published any of their works is exceedingly difficult.
All articles marked '*' contain personal information. Complete lists of the works of classical composers are given according to the published thematic catalogues.
The pieces marked '+' have been pointed out either by the composers themselves or selected by myself, according to my experience as teacher, as worthy of notice.
