The Piano Master Classes of Hans Von Bulow

the long version

Hans von Bulow (1830-1894) is known today primarily for his editions of the keyboard music of Bach and Beethoven. But he was also a conductor, a composer, and the author of many articles and reviews in music journals. He was in demand as a concert pianist and renowned as a piano teacher. In the classes, which dealt with compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Raff, Liszt, and Brahms, Bulow points out techniques to be used and insightful effects to be made in specific measures in the pieces. His remarks range from the brilliant to the hilarious, including outrageous statements about other composers and, regrettably, some insulting comments about women.