The Piano as Commentator on Its Time and Companion of Opera Cover Image

Klavír jako komentátor své doby a společník opery
The Piano as Commentator on Its Time and Companion of Opera

Author(s): Petr Venglař
Subject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Music, Local History / Microhistory
Published by: Ústav hudobnej vedy Slovenskej akadémie vied
Keywords: piano music in the Czech lands; instructive literature; salon music; Bedřich Smetana; Antonín Dvořák; Vítězslav Novák; Josef Suk; piano concert

Summary/Abstract: The study investigates piano music in the Czech lands between 1860 and 1910, focusing on its role and the types of pieces performed. The text is divided into two parts. The first part examines the functions of the piano (for example, the omnipresence of piano music and anecdotes associated with it), and the phenomenon of salon music. It also emphasizes the piano’s essential role as an indispensable aid for composers. A table is included between the two parts, providing information on the different functions and presentations of the piano. The second part discusses various genres of piano compositions (for example, salon pieces,virtuoso pieces, and arrangements of existing compositions). The study also provides details about instructional literature (for example, piano textbooks, simple character pieces, etudes).

  • Issue Year: 14/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 167-196
  • Page Count: 30
  • Language: Czech