The First Principles of Pianoforte Playing

“The First Principles of Pianoforte Playing” is a vintage guide to playing the piano. Originally designed as an introductory text intended for use in secondary schools, it presents the most elementary principles in a way that can be understood by the beginner. This volume is highly recommended for those with a practical interest in playing pianoforte or piano. Contents include: “Directions and Definitions for Learners”, “General Directions”, “Summary – Reminder of Main Points”, “Extract from 'The Act of Touch”, “The Act of Playing”, “On Rhythm”, “Piano Talent”, “As to Self Consciousness and Nervousness”, etc. Tobias Augustus Matthay (1858 – 1945) was an English pianist, composer, and teacher. He was taught composition while at the Royal Academy of Music by Arthur Sullivan and Sir William Sterndale Bennett, and he was instructed in the piano by William Dorrell and Walter Macfarren. Other notable works by this author include: “The Act Of Touch In All Its Diversity: An Analysis And Synthesis Of Pianoforte Tone Production” (1903), “The First Principles of Pianoforte Playing (1905)” and “Relaxation Studies” (1908). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.