This collection of specially commissioned essays offers an accessible introduction to the history of the piano, performance styles, and its vast repertoire, up to contemporary music. Includes a glossary of important terms. 39 photos. 37 music examples.

List of figures; List of music examples; Notes on the contributors; Acknowledgements; Bibliographical abbreviations and pitch notation; Introduction David Rowland; Part I. Pianos and Pianists: 1. The piano to c.1770 David Rowland; 2. Pianos and pianists c.1770-c.1825 David Rowland; 3. The piano since c.1825 David Rowland; 4: The virtuoso tradition Kenneth Hamilton; 5: Pianists on record in the early twentieth century Robert Philip; 6. The acoustics of the piano Bernard Richardson; Part II. Repertory: 7. Repertory and canon Dorothy de Val and Cyril Ehrlich; 8. The music of the early pianists (to c.1830) David Rowland; 9. Piano music for concert hall and salon c.1830-1900 J. Barrie Jones; 10. Nationalism J. Barrie Jones; 11. New horizons in the twentieth century Mervyn Cooke; 12. Ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music Brian Priestley; Glossary; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.