The Mechanical Muse: The Piano, Pianism and Piano Music, c.1760–1850

Dr Derek Carew is from the Department of Music at Cardiff University, UK.

Contents: Preface; Introduction. Part I Instruments: History and background; Action and technique; Stringing; Sound modification; Versatility; The piano's sound. Part II Influences: Character 1: background; Character 2: emotionalism; Character 3: personification; Character 4: the past; Character 5: other topics; Received forms 1: the minuet (and scherzo); Received forms 2: the rondo; Received forms 3: the solo sonata; Received forms 4: variations; Received forms 5a: the concerto 1, background & presentation of material; Received forms 5b: the concerto 2, the solo; Received forms 5c: the concerto 3, other movements; Vernacular 1: general; Vernacular 2: inclusion; Vernacular 3: regional styles; Improvisation 1: general; Improvisation 2: types. Part III Integration: Accompaniment 1a: chamber music 1, classical; Accompaniment 1b: chamber music 2, romantic; Accompaniment 2a: song 1; Accompaniment 2b: song 2; Accompaniment 3: piano duet & duo; Didacticism and dissemination; The dance; Select bibliography; Index.