From the Publisher
Silvio Scionti (1882-1973), the distinguished Italian-American pianist and teacher, was a prolific writer. This book, about artistry in piano playing, contains hertofore unpublished essays that Scionti wrote over a period of many years. The topics range from "Basic Points in Fine Piano Playing" and "The Art of Pedaling" (both richly illustrated with musical examples) to "Memrizing Piano Music,""Silence-Its Use and Misuse," and "The Metronome-Its beneficial or Harmful Side." This carefully edited compilation of Scionti's thoughtful and penetrating ideas contains ten articles plus one "surprise," which was added as lagniappe by the editor.
Scionti, after establishing himself as a much admired pianist and teacher at The American Conservatory and The Chicago Musical College, moved with his wife Isabel to New York City. The duo performed in all the major music centers in Europe, Mexico, and the United States before World War II interrupted that career. Scionti became Artist in Residence in 1942 at what is now the University of North Texas. As master teacher, clinician, conductor, arranger of works for two pianos, editor of many works for solo piano, and writer of essays on various aspects of piano playing, he attracted some of the most gifted pianists from all over the country, thereby greatly enhancing the reputation and growth of the School of Music.
