Principes rationnels de la technique pianistique - Cortot, Alfred 1877-1962 (Paris Salabert, 1928)
autograph of the author on title page (1948)
Alfred Cortot (1877-1962) was a French pianist, conductor and teacher. He is considered one of the great performers of the 20th century. A renowned pedagogue, he was one of the founders of the 'École normale de musique in Paris'.
For Cortot, the way in which the keyboard is played or the pedals are pressed could provide an infinite number of nuances that could be adapted to the musical discourse. This explains why the working method he described in 'Les Principes rationnels de la technique pianistique' focused on the subtle link between subjectivity and the work of the fingers, wrists and arms. Particularly significant in this respect was his use of pedals, which opened up « une palette sonore infinie».
Keywords: 20th Century (1901-2000); Method; Piano; Paris (France)