Introduction to the Analyses

Having discussed the mechanical processes and elementary means of musical expression, we must now demonstrate their application to the practice of playing. To this end, we will present several “performance analyses.” The repertoire selection does not represent personal preference or value judgment, but was made on solely didactic grounds. Therefore, we have only chosen generally well-known works. The preference here for older masterworks lies in the nature of the matter. Anyone who is not trained by the examples of older works cannot perfectly solve the difficult problems of modern music. As in other areas of art, in music too is it important that the student learns about the development of their own special art through studying typical examples.

We should also point out that the given fingerings in the following analyses are intended primarily for the developing player “as a matter of instruction, liberation, and progress.” Nevertheless, even a mature player, regardless of their individual artistry, may get some inspiration from them.