Piano Lessons (e-book) (used book) | Anna Goldsworthy | bookbook.eu

Description

(From the blurb)
In this remarkable memoir, Anna Goldsworthy recalls her first steps towards a life in music, from childhood piano lessons with a local jazz muso to international success as a concert pianist. As she discovers passion and ambition, and confronts doubt and disappointment, she learns about much more than tone and technique. This is a story of the getting of wisdom, tender and bittersweet.

Anna Goldsworthy was nine years old when she met Eleanora Sivan, the charismatic Russian émigré and world-class pianist who became her piano teacher. Beautifully written and strikingly honest, Piano Lessons is the story of what Mrs. Sivan brought to Anna’s lessons: a love of music, a respect for life, a generous spirit, and the courage to embrace a musical life.

As Anna discovers passion and ambition, confronts doubt and disappointment, and learns about much more than tone and technique, Mrs. Sivan’s wisdom guides her:

"We are not teaching piano playing. We are teaching philosophy and life and music digested.”

“I tell you a secret about Chopin, piano is his best friend. More. He tells piano all his secrets.”

“Never demonstrate. Never beautify Mozart. He is beautiful enough already. He does not need your make-up.”

Piano Lessons takes the reader on a journey into the heart and meaning of music. Piano Lessons reminds us all how an extraordinary teacher can change a life completely. A work that will appeal to all music lovers and anyone who has ever taken a music lesson, Piano Lessons will also touch the heart of anyone who has ever loved a teacher.