The Concept Of Artistic Imagery In Heinrich Neuhaus's Piano Pedagogy

In the late 19th-early 20 th century,Russian pianists were inspired and influenced by the exquisite piano performance practices and theoretical thought of Western European Romanticism of the 19 th century.This was the time when Russian School of Piano Performance was formed.Rooted in Western European culture,it creatively integrated distinct national features into piano pedagogy.One of major figures,whose input into creation and development of new approach in teaching piano projected the future of Russian School of performance,was Heinrich Neuhaus.He was an outstanding pianist,music educator,and writer on the topics of piano pedagogy.Heinrich Neuhaus trained a number of legendary pianists,such as Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels,and he mentored many famous and important pianists of the 20 th century.Heinrich Neuhaus's performance and teaching principles,as well as his numerous writings became indispensable for the future development of piano performance outside Russia.This thesis examines the concept of artistic imagery and its place in Neuhaus's approach to teaching piano performance.The research begins with the introduction of the formation of Heinrich Neuhaus's School and his music educational background,and the topic is focused on the discussion and application of this concept in musical compositions and specific techniques,in which artistic imagery is achieved.In his writings,Neuhaus emphasized the importance of artistry and its fundamental role in making music meaningful.He even goes further to position artistic imagery above piano technique and as the ultimate purpose of performance.First,this thesis offers comprehensive explanation of "artistic imagery," which includes the background,main ideas,audible and cognitive aspects of the concept,as well as its dialectical value and relationship to technique.Second,based on Neuhaus's teaching philosophy and practical experience,this thesis describes how the great master worked on building up "artistic imagery" in his students.Special attention is given to training of musicality,intelligence and revealing of the artistic potential of students.Third,this thesis examines issues of sound quality and rhythmic organization of musical compositions in piano performance,and how these elements are working in creating artistic imagery.According to Neuhaus's teaching,technique is only a tool in creating "artistic imagery," which in essence represents skill,used to achieve artistic goals.This thesis includes comprehensive analysis of Neuhaus's piano performance training pertaining to the three main aspects of technical development: 1.Training technique from psychological and physical stand point.Psychological aspect focuses on the establishment of confidence,while physical on the control of muscle-action organs,such as fingers,hands,and arms are.2.Key elements of different piano techniques divided into eight categories,which can be taught in stage trainings.3.Mastering proper use of fingering and the pedals is a significant part of Neuhaus's technical training.Main points include fingering following specific principles and training of pedal being inseparable from sounds.