Reading Musical Interpretation

Julian Hellaby's Reading Musical Interpretation: Case Studies in Solo Piano Performance proposes a new model for analysing, or, more accurately, understanding performance. Arranging the parameters that constitute a performance into a hierarchical framework, or 'tower', Hellaby extensively explores case studies from the piano repertoire by Bach, Brahms and Messiaen, each in a range of performances. The genial, but astute observations provide much food for thought, and the process itself is as valuable as the ultimate outcomes. While acknowledging that more work is needed to explore the potential of this model, this first step is a bold, but thoughtful and welcome contribution to the ongoing debate in the rapidly developing area of performance studies. Dr Christopher Dingle, Reader in Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, UK '...thought-provoking...For the specialist with a solid grasp of music theory, advanced piano technique, and a refined stylistic awareness of piano literature, Hellaby's method will prove fascinating... Recommended: Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professional musicians.' Choice 'Reading Musical Interpretation is a thoughtful and musically engaged book. There are numerous perceptive comments about the differences both between different styles of interpretation in general and between particular recorded interpretations.' Psychology of Music '... Hellaby's interpretative tower provides a novel tool for the study of recorded performances by musically informed listeners.' Music and Letters 'Hellaby's theoretical model is holistic in its inclusion of many discrete categories which can be applied flexibly to diverse musical styles, and indeed he suggests how other subcategories might be introduced for other repertoires.' Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland