Simon & Schuster publishes a revised edition (ISBN: 978-0671838375). You can buy it new for $15–25. Used copies on AbeBooks or ThriftBooks often cost less than a pizza. For that price, you get an artifact you can mark up, drop, and keep for a lifetime.
Before hunting down a file, one must understand what makes this book legendary. Harold Schonberg (1915–2003) was the chief music critic for The New York Times and the only music critic to ever win the Pulitzer Prize for criticism (1971). He was a pianist himself, and his writing crackles with the energy of a live performance.
The Great Pianists is not a dry academic textbook. It is a sweeping, gossipy, reverent, and brutally honest journey from Mozart’s day (when the piano was a fragile novelty) to the 20th-century titans like Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubinstein, and Glenn Gould.
The Harold Schonberg The Great Pianists PDF is a musical Holy Grail—widely desired, poorly realized, legally grey. You can spend four hours hunting through shady Russian servers to download a broken scan, or you can spend $15 and have the real book in two days.
Here is the critic’s recommendation: Buy the paperback. Read it with a cup of coffee. Let the spine crack. Underline Schonberg’s savage take on Leopold Godowsky (“a pianist’s pianist, not a people’s pianist”). Laugh at his description of a young Vladimir Horowitz as “a whirlwind, a volcano, a madman.”
Then, digitize your own copy. Scan your legal book into a personal PDF (for your own backup, which is generally permissible under fair use). That way, you have both worlds: the tactile beauty of a classic text and the searchable convenience of a PDF.
Harold Schonberg once wrote that “the piano is the most personal of instruments.” The same can be said of his book. Treat it with respect, and it will change how you hear every note. Hunt for a free PDF, and you might only find silence.
Further Reading: If you enjoyed this guide, explore Schonberg’s other works: The Lives of the Great Composers and The Glorious Ones: Classical Music’s Legendary Performers. Both are also available in legal digital form via standard retailers.
Introduction The Great Pianists is a seminal work of music history written by Harold C. Schonberg, the former senior music critic for The New York Times. First published in 1963 and revised in 1987, the book is widely considered the definitive popular history of piano playing. Unlike technical academic treatises, Schonberg’s work is a lively, witty, and accessible biography of the instrument's most legendary practitioners, tracing the evolution of piano virtuosity from the early 19th century to the modern era.
Content and Scope The book organizes the history of the piano into a "Grand Procession," moving chronologically through the development of performance styles and schools of thought. Schonberg begins with the ancestors of the modern piano—the harpsichord and clavichord—and the early virtuosi like Mozart and Clementi.
He then delves into the Romantic era, often considered the golden age of the piano. The book features vivid profiles of titans such as:
The narrative continues into the 20th century, covering the transition to the "modern" style of playing. Schonberg profiles giants such as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Josef Hofmann, Artur Rubinstein, and the eccentric Glenn Gould. He concludes with the generation of pianists rising to prominence in the mid-20th century, such as Vladimir Horowitz and Sviatoslav Richter.
Key Themes: The Evolution of Style One of the book's most significant contributions is how it tracks the changing aesthetics of piano performance. Schonberg distinguishes between different "schools" of playing:
Schonberg also explores the nature of "virtuosity" itself, discussing how pianists tackled technical challenges and how the physical act of playing changed as the piano mechanism itself evolved.
Reception and Critical Analysis The Great Pianists is celebrated for Schonberg’s engaging, journalistic prose. He avoids dry musicological analysis in favor of colorful anecdotes, critical reviews from historical newspapers, and personal descriptions of what these pianists sounded like.
However, the book is not without its critics. Scholars often note that Schonberg was a man of his time, and his preferences are clear: he generally favored the "Golden Age" Romantic style over the rigid academicism of the mid-20th century. Additionally, because the book was written before the rise of the "Historically Informed Performance" movement, some modern readers find his views on early music interpretation dated. He also had a strong bias against certain styles, famously dismissing the late works of Franz Liszt as "rubbish," a view that modern musicology has largely corrected.
The PDF and Digital Relevance In the digital age, searches for "Harold Schonberg The Great Pianists PDF" are common among music students and enthusiasts. While physical copies remain in print, the demand for a digital version reflects the book's enduring status as a standard text in conservatories and music appreciation courses.
Readers seeking the PDF should be aware of copyright restrictions. In many jurisdictions, downloading a pirated copy of the book is illegal. However, legitimate digital versions are often available for purchase through major ebook retailers, and physical or scanned copies may be legally available through university library loan programs.
Conclusion Harold C. Schonberg’s The Great Pianists remains an essential companion for anyone interested in classical music. It captures the personalities, eccentricities, and sheer brilliance of the men and women who defined the piano. While modern musicology has deepened our understanding of performance practice, Schonberg’s ability to bring these historical figures to life remains unmatched.
For anyone interested in classical music, The Great Pianists serves as an essential "who’s who" of the keyboard. It provides the context needed to understand why we listen to Horowitz today, why Liszt was considered a rock star of his time, and how the simple act of pressing keys on a keyboard became one of the most complex and revered art forms in history.
Recommendation: If you are reading this book for serious study, purchasing a physical copy or an official digital edition is recommended to ensure the text and images are high quality.
In the autumn of 1963, a wiry, sharp-tongued man named Harold C. Schonberg sat down at his desk at The New York Times. As the paper’s chief music critic, he had just witnessed the dawn of the rock era, but his true obsession was far more rarefied: the lineage of the piano. He realized that while biographies existed of Liszt or Rubinstein, no single book traced the golden thread from the harpsichord of Scarlatti to the thunder of Vladimir Horowitz. So he wrote it himself.
The Great Pianists: From Mozart to the Present was not a dry academic tome. Schonberg wrote like a detective novelist who happened to have perfect pitch. He opened with a legend: Mozart, as a boy, dazzling the court of Versailles by playing a piano whose keys were so sticky he had to invent new fingerings on the spot. From there, Schonberg galloped through the “demonic” Paganini of the piano (Liszt), the hermitic perfectionist (Anton Rubinstein), and the tragic clown (Chopin as seen by George Sand).
One of the book’s most gripping stories involves the “War of the Romantics.” Schonberg describes how Clara Schumann, widow of Robert, waged a quiet war against Liszt and Wagner. Clara believed music should be pure, structural, and faithful to the score. Liszt believed the piano was a volcano, and the performer was a god. In one legendary episode, Schonberg recounts a gathering in Weimar where Liszt played his own Sonata in B Minor. Clara, seated in the front row, reportedly whispered to a friend, “It is mere noise.” Schonberg then pivots: “But was it? Fifty years later, that ‘noise’ became the cornerstone of modern pianism.”
The book also resurrects forgotten giants. Ever heard of Leopold Godowsky? Schonberg devotes a thrilling page to the Polish-born pianist who wrote 53 études on Chopin’s études—each so fiendishly difficult that even Godowsky himself admitted one of them was “unplayable.” When a young aspirant asked Godowsky for the fingering of a certain passage, the master replied, “With your nose, perhaps.”
Schonberg was not afraid of controversy. He famously demoted Vladimir Horowitz a notch, praising his electricity but questioning his musical fidelity. And he elevated the then-underrated Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli as a “sphinx of the keyboard”—a man who would cancel concerts if a single key felt a millimeter off.
Now, why do people search for “Harold Schonberg The Great Pianists Pdf”? Because the book, while still in print, has become a talisman. Piano students, unable to afford the latest edition or living in countries without access, hunt for a scanned copy like pilgrims seeking a map. The irony is that Schonberg himself—a journalist who fought for the livelihood of writers and critics—would likely have smiled wryly at the piracy. He wrote in the preface: “This book is meant to be read with a record player nearby.”
But here is the final story the PDF hunters often miss. In the last chapter, Schonberg recounts visiting the elderly Josef Hofmann, a legendary pianist from the Golden Age. Hofmann led him to a dusty practice room and played a single phrase of Chopin so softly, so perfectly, that Schonberg wept. The critic asked, “How do you achieve that tone?” Hofmann answered, “It is not the finger. It is the ear, the mind, and thirty years of listening to yourself lie.”
That is the lesson no PDF can steal. Schonberg’s book is not just a history—it’s an invitation to listen differently. If you find a copy, legal or otherwise, promise to read it near a piano. And when you reach the final page, close the book and play one note. Just one. Listen. That is the great pianist in you.
First published in 1963 and substantially revised in 1987, Harold C. Schonberg’s work is more than just a list of names. It is a narrative history of the evolution of piano technique and style. Schonberg, the first music critic to win the Pulitzer Prize, combines rigorous research with a witty, engaging prose style. 🌟 Key Themes Covered
The Evolution of Technique: From the delicate touch required for the harpsichord to the thunderous power of the modern grand.
The "Golden Age": Detailed accounts of the Romantic era where pianists were treated like rock stars.
Style vs. Literalism: The shift from the free, improvisational style of the 19th century to the strict "score-faithful" approach of the modern era. 📖 Inside the Chapters: From Mozart to Horowitz
If you are looking for a Harold Schonberg The Great Pianists PDF, you are likely looking for his specific insights on the legends of the keyboard. Schonberg organizes the book by "schools" and eras:
The Founders: Mozart and Clementi, and their differing philosophies on tone.
The Giants: A deep dive into Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. Schonberg famously describes Liszt as the "first modern pianist."
The Romantics: Insights into Rubinstein, Thalberg, and the era of the virtuoso.
The Modern Era: Analysis of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Josef Hofmann, and Vladimir Horowitz. 📥 How to Access "The Great Pianists" Legally
While many users search for a free PDF download, it is important to remember that the book is still under copyright. However, there are several ways to access it digitally or physically without violating intellectual property laws: 🏛️ 1. Internet Archive (Open Library)
The Internet Archive often has scanned copies of The Great Pianists available for "digital lending." You can borrow the book for an hour or more, allowing you to read it in a flip-book format or a secure PDF-style viewer. 🎓 2. University and Public Libraries
Many libraries offer the Libby or OverDrive apps. If your library owns the e-book version, you can download it directly to your tablet or Kindle. 🛒 3. Digital Purchase
The book is available on major platforms like Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books. Buying a digital copy ensures you have the 1987 revised edition, which includes updated chapters on modern performers and improved discographies. 🎯 The Value of the 1987 Revised Edition
If you are hunting for a PDF, ensure it is the Revised and Updated Edition. In this version, Schonberg: Adds more information on the "Baroque Revival."
Provides a deeper look at the impact of recording technology.
Updates his critiques to include late-20th-century masters like Glenn Gould and Maurizio Pollini. 💡 Final Thought: A Must-Read for Every Musician
Whether you read it as a physical hardcover or a digital file, Schonberg’s work provides a "pedigree" for modern players. It helps you understand why we play the way we do today and what we might have lost from the grand traditions of the past.
Get a summary of Schonberg’s critique of a specific pianist like Liszt or Gould?
Find a list of recommended recordings that complement the chapters in the book?
Harold C. Schonberg’s The Great Pianists is a definitive history of piano performance, tracing the evolution of technique and style from the mid-18th century to the late 20th century. First published in 1963 and substantially revised in 1987, it is celebrated for its wit, deep historical research, and Schonberg's authoritative voice as a longtime music critic for The New York Times. Core Themes and Content
Historical Scope: The book begins with the transition from the harpsichord to the fortepiano, covering early masters like Mozart and Clementi, and moves through the Romantic era dominated by Liszt and Chopin.
The Golden Age: A significant portion is dedicated to the legendary performers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Rachmaninoff, Hofmann, and Busoni.
Evolution of Style: Schonberg analyzes how piano playing shifted from the highly individualistic, "romantic" liberties of the 19th century to the more literal, "objective" modern style seen in the mid-20th century.
Biographical Anecdotes: Rather than just technical analysis, the text is filled with vivid personality sketches, describing the eccentricities and stage presence of the world’s most famous virtuosos. Availability and PDF Versions
While the book is widely available in physical and digital formats for purchase (such as Simon & Schuster), full PDF versions are typically protected by copyright. However, you can legally access digital copies through the following:
Internet Archive: You can often "borrow" a digital copy for free through the Open Library (requires a free account).
Google Books: Provides a preview of the text, which is useful for checking specific quotes or chapters.
E-book Retailers: Licensed digital versions (Kindle/EPUB) are available on platforms like Amazon and Kobo.
If you are looking for a specific quote, chapter summary, or information on a particular pianist mentioned in the book, let me know and I can provide more detail.
You're looking for a guide related to "The Great Pianists" by Harold Schonberg. Here's some information:
About the Book
"The Great Pianists" is a book written by Harold Schonberg, a renowned music critic and pianist. The book, first published in 1959, is a comprehensive guide to the lives and performances of some of the greatest pianists of the past. The book covers over 50 pianists, from Franz Liszt to the mid-20th century.
Available Formats
You can find "The Great Pianists" in various formats:
Guide and PDF Resources
If you're looking for a guide or a PDF version of "The Great Pianists", here are some resources:
Summary and Content
The book covers a wide range of pianists, including:
The book provides biographical information, performance critiques, and analyses of the pianists' styles and techniques.
Tips
In his seminal work, The Great Pianists , Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Harold C. Schonberg
provides more than just a historical record; he offers a vibrant, anecdotal, and deeply opinionated journey through the evolution of piano playing. For those looking to explore this classic, digital versions and previews are available through platforms like the Internet Archive Google Books The Core Narrative: A "Golden Age" in Decline
Schonberg’s central thesis often suggests that the "Golden Age" of the piano—defined by individualistic, romantic virtuosity—is a thing of the past. He traces the instrument’s lineage from its harpsichord ancestors to the modern concert grand, focusing on how technical advancements changed how music was felt and performed. From Oil to Ocean
: He describes Mozart’s playing as a legato that "flowed like oil," contrasting it with Beethoven’s "oceanlike surge". The Romantic Fire
: Much of the book is dedicated to the 19th-century titans like Liszt, whose magnetic presence caused "Lisztomania," and Chopin, the "poetic" master of rubato. Personalities and Quirks
: Schonberg is famous for humanizing these legends. You’ll read about Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s blood-stained keys from nail-biting and Wanda Landowska’s dramatic "communion" with Bach. Key Themes & Critical Perspective Schonberg doesn't just list dates; he critiques the philosophies of playing
. He often laments the shift from the "Romantic" style—where the performer’s personality was paramount—to the modern "Puritan" or "objective" style, which he felt could sometimes be sterile. Individual Profiles
: The book covers over 50 significant artists, including modern updates on Horowitz, Van Cliburn, Gould, and Brendel. Technical Insights
: He dives into specific schools of playing, such as the "Leschetizky group" or the "French neatness and precision". The Critic’s Ear
: Known for his "good ears," Schonberg was quick to identify sloppy technique while remaining an excellent judge of how an audience reacted to the "theatrical" side of performance. Where to Find the Book The great pianists : Schonberg, Harold C - Internet Archive
The Great Pianists by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Harold C. Schonberg is a comprehensive, chronological history of piano performance spanning from Mozart to late 20th-century virtuosos. First published in 1963, the work chronicles the evolution of technique and interpretation, emphasizing the shift from Romanticism to modern, more objective performance styles. Digital access to the work is available through the Internet Archive The New York Times The great pianists : Schonberg, Harold C - Internet Archive
A Comprehensive Review of "The Great Pianists" by Harold Schonberg
Introduction
"The Great Pianists" by Harold Schonberg is a seminal work that has been a cornerstone of music literature since its publication in 1956. This book is a comprehensive and engagingly written account of the lives and careers of the world's most renowned pianists, from the early days of piano music to the mid-20th century. In this review, we will examine the book's content, style, and significance, with a focus on the PDF edition.
Content and Structure
The book is divided into four parts, each covering a distinct period in the history of piano music. Schonberg's approach is biographical and historical, providing in-depth portraits of over 50 pianists, including Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Arthur Rubinstein, among others. The author's meticulous research and vast knowledge of music history are evident throughout the book, making it an invaluable resource for music enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the book's greatest strengths is Schonberg's engaging writing style, which makes the book an enjoyable read despite its considerable length. His vivid descriptions of the pianists' performances, personalities, and lives provide a unique glimpse into the world of classical music. The book is also well-organized, with a clear chronological structure that allows readers to follow the evolution of piano music over time.
However, some readers may find the book's focus on the lives and careers of individual pianists to be too narrow. Additionally, the book's scope is limited to the period up to the mid-20th century, which may be seen as a drawback by some readers.
The PDF Edition
The PDF edition of "The Great Pianists" offers several advantages over the print edition. The digital format allows for easy navigation, with hyperlinks to specific sections and a searchable index. The PDF also includes high-quality scans of the original text, making it easy to read and study. However, some readers may prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book.
Conclusion
"The Great Pianists" by Harold Schonberg is a masterpiece of music literature that continues to inspire and educate readers to this day. The PDF edition offers a convenient and accessible way to experience this classic work, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in piano music, classical music, or music history.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation:
Target Audience: Music enthusiasts, students, and professionals
Publication Details:
By examining the content, structure, and significance of "The Great Pianists," this review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the book's value and relevance to music enthusiasts and professionals. The PDF edition offers a convenient and accessible way to experience this classic work, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in piano music, classical music, or music history.
Harold C. Schonberg’s " The Great Pianists " is widely considered the definitive history of piano performance, tracing the evolution of the instrument and its masters from the mid-18th century to the modern era. Originally published in 1963 and revised in 1987, the book remains a staple for musicians and historians alike. Overview of the Work
Schonberg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for The New York Times, approaches the subject not just as a musicologist, but as a storyteller. He chronicles the shift in performance styles, from the "finger-centric" technique of the Rococo period to the thunderous virtuosity of the Romantic era and the literalism of the 20th century. Key Themes and Coverage
The book is structured chronologically, focusing on the personalities and technical innovations that shaped the "piano sound":
The Pioneers: Covers the transition from the harpsichord to the fortepiano, highlighting figures like Clementi and Mozart.
The Romantic Revolution: Devotes significant space to Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, whom Schonberg views as the architects of modern piano technique.
The Golden Age: Explores the legendary "Titans" like Anton Rubinstein, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, focusing on their individualistic, often idiosyncratic, interpretations.
The Modern Era: Analyzes the shift toward objective, score-faithful playing represented by Artur Schnabel and Vladimir Horowitz. Critical Reception
Critics often praise Schonberg for his "witty, conversational prose" and his ability to describe sound in a way that feels tangible. While some modern scholars find his focus on the "Great Man" theory of history a bit dated, the book is lauded for its exhaustive research into primary sources, including letters, contemporary reviews, and early pedagogical texts. Where to Find the Text
While many users search for a "PDF" version of the book, it is important to note that it is a copyrighted work. However, you can legally access it through the following channels:
Internet Archive: Often provides digital loans of the book for 1-hour or 14-day periods.
Local Libraries: Most university and city libraries carry the revised edition in their permanent collections.
Retailers: It remains in print through Simon & Schuster and is available as an e-book on major platforms.
I recently compared a “free PDF” from a file-sharing site to the physical edition. The results were grim:
If you rely on a bootleg PDF for a term paper or a performance analysis, you will cite incorrectly. You will miss nuance. The book becomes a ghost of itself.
The Great Pianists has remained in print for decades because it fills a unique niche. It is often praised for:
However, scholars note that the book reflects the biases of its time and author. Schonberg was sometimes criticized for his skepticism regarding the "Early Music" movement (Historically Informed Performance) and period instruments. He famously disliked the thin sound of harpsichords and early pianos, preferring the sound of the modern Steinway.
