The Piano: A History in 100 Pieces by Susan Tomes

The Piano : A History in 100 Pieces
by Susan Tomes

In the past years, there have been several books, both about general history and, about more specific areas such as music, in which a potentially daunting subject is addressed through more easily digestible chapters or articles about items, objects or works which can serve as a springboard for a wider discussion.  A case in point is Neil MacGregor’s A History of the World in 100 Objects or, in the classical music field, Laura Tunbridge’s recent Beethoven: A Life in Nine Pieces.

Susan Tomes’ The Piano – A History in Hundred Pieces follows a similar format, providing a more-or-less chronological account of the development of the piano through brief chapters on specific works.   Tomes’ history is a wide-ranging one, starting off with a section on the piano’s “prehistory” (exploring the transition from harpsichord to Cristofori’s invention) and ending with chapters on 20^th century and contemporary works by the likes of Gubaidulina, Pärt, Glass and Judith Weir (although admittedly there are many other composers who might have been deserving of a slot here).     There is even a foray into jazz. 

 

Wisely, Tomes does not feel unduly constricted by the title of her book.  The “hundred pieces” are not all solo piano pieces, and include chamber works where the instrument may, at first glance, appear to have more of a supporting role.  Some entries actually cover more than one piece, for instance the chapter on Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata in E major K380, which slips in an overview of the composer’s prolific contribution to the genre. Tomes is herself a pianist with a solo and chamber career, and her insights into the pieces are the fruit of erudition, experience and technical knowledge

This is a book which will prove interesting and useful to pianists and lovers of the instrument, whether professional or amateur, whether a veteran or a young student still getting to know the repertoire.  It can be read chronologically or kept by the bedside (or on the piano) as a knowledgeable and friendly guide to new pieces or composers.

Kindle edition, 400 pages

Published August 31st 2021 by Yale University Press