Piano Technique in Practice (Piano Solo): Piano Professional Series

McLachlan at his best once more. Should be on every pianists bookshelf.Well structured and informed in an easy to read style. Builds on his first book of ‘foundations’, makes for interesting reading

Lots to take in very pleased

easy to read

I highly recommend this book to anyone that teaches piano (along with its companion volume "The Foundations of Technique", by the same author). Both volumes are full of excellent information, regardless of what style of music you teach. I wish these had been around when I first started teaching!

In this, the second instalment of Murray McLachlan's series of books, 'Piano Technique in Practice', he explores the ways in which one's technique might become more consistently galvanised within a variety of musical contexts. As in the first book in the Piano Professional series, McLachlan takes the acquisition of a reliable technique in its broadest sense. Not unlike reading an expert golfer's ruminations on the finer points of putting, McLachlan successfully sifts the details for us, melding wisdom and empathy with welcome charisma.Ultimately, it is for all of us to adapt our individual resources to match as best we can the demands placed by composers. For us today, with three centuries worth of piano music to choose from, the term 'technique' surely amounts to rather more than it once did. On the other hand, despite the conspicuous challenges posed by Rachmaninov and others, there is more to technique than dexterity and stamina - for the piano is surely not a piece of gymnastic equipment upon which we might flex our musical muscles. Bereft of a musical brain - and heart - no amount of well-oiled fingerwork and upper-body power will likely amount to anything enduring or impactful. Hence McLachlan is keen always to promote a sense of purpose with what he is explaining.Reading this book, and indeed his first instalment for Faber, feels a little like eavesdropping on an extended masterclass in which every facet of one's physical and mental resources are systematically put through their paces. Other books on technique may fail to spot that the non-prodigy needs a rather more careful handling; it is to McLachlan's credit that he manages to make the reader want to leap manfully towards the piano stool, brimming with renewed enthusiasm, confidence and insights.

The eagerly awaited second book of Murray McLachlan on piano technique is now available and certainly will not disappoint. As with his first book, Murray offers readers a wealth of information and advice and in both these publications he never divorces technique from his pursuit of keyboard artistry, musicianship and refinement of playing. Murray’s many gems of advice include not only the elimination of errors, the improper use of and damaging use of the hands and fingers but the striving for cantabile, phrasing, musical and stylistic pedalling, strong and articulated as well as subtle staccato and the striving for a sense of performance and style.The reader will be engrossed in the sheer amount of ‘help’ that Murray McLachlan offers and he also illustrates many of his points with excellent and relevant musical examples. Chapters are divided into four parts and will engage pianists for hours including listening creatively, rhythm, rhythmic vibrancy, tone production, colour, sounds: horizontal development, basics of phrasing and structure, playing with line and rubato, sounds: vertical development, speed, strength, stamina, security, sight reading, textual fidelity, fingering, practising and memory.Both these volumes are beautifully printed and laid out so that students and professionals can ‘dip in and out’ of the numerous technical and interpretive issues that Murray addresses. They go a long way to encourage the reader to not only improve all aspects of their playing but to also enjoy what they are striving for, not just technique as important as this is but also the artistry, drama, subtleties, moods, colours, humour, dynamics and shading that make up a complete piano performance at the various levels.Moderately priced, these books can easily be used independently but as a set of two I think they are destined to become a welcome, essential and permanent addition to the pianist’s library.These books are like having piano lessons at your fingertips from a master pianist and teacher.

Looking back at my years as a would-be pianist in my youth, I wish I'd had this book. Murray McLachlan, a superb musician who is head of keyboard at Chetham's and has helped to train numerous fine young artists, offers sterling-strong advice from which any pianist of any level can benefit. It would be easy for a book on piano technique to be dry as milkless muesli, but this one is different: McLachlan writes lucidly, with charm and good humour. Technique, incidentally, is not solely about fast fingers, and he explores matters such as beauty of tone - finding the "sweet spot" - as well as how to build line and rubato, how to avoid unevenness of touch, and a great deal more. Even if you only play your piano once in the proverbial blue moon, there will be something in this slim volume you'll find helpful.

Following on from his first book, McLachlan explores in more depth the foundations of technique in the actual physical and mental practice in piano playing. Both playing and teaching take on a new meaning when following the suggestions in these books, as the author has used his years of experience as a concert pianist, teacher, musicologist, examiner, writer and parent. He knows what he's talking about, as is evident in his successes over the years. I eagerly await the next installment.