Clavichord for Beginners (Publications of the Early Music Institute)

This book, authored by the late Joan Benson, is an invaluable resource for aspiring clavichordists and early music enthusiasts. It is both informative and entertaining. The included concert CD and instructional DVD are extra special bonuses which capture the subtle nuances of the instrument, its repertoire, and the exquisite artistry of Ms. Benson.

I can find only highest praise for this incredibly detailed and well-written book on playing the clavichord. It would serve most pianists and teachers well as a guide to understanding the importance of keyboard touch and focused listening in musical performance.

An excellent introduction to the clavichord. Joan Benson is meticulous to a fault in explaining how to produce and modify a tone on her beloved instrument. Every Baroque keyboard player should study her examples and guidelines for becoming a sensitive player. In the last part of the book she gives an easy-going historical review of clavichordists. A truly fine book which should be in every Baroque aficionado's library.

The title should Clavichord for Beginners if You are Already an Advanced Pianist, but still worthwhile for the novice. However, it was still a worthwhile purchase with DVD & CD. Not may Clavichord instruction books out there.

this is an excellent course for beginners on the clavichord. Not much history of the instrument though. YOu will have to look elsewhere for that--and there are other good resources

Clavichord for Beginners is a beautiful book -- inside and out. It is the first book I've found that teaches me in amazingly clear detail how to play the clavichord well. The CD of Joan Benson's masterful performances inspires me. I give it five stars!

A little too simple for somebody is just starting harpsichord but has an extensive music background so knows the terminology and how to read music. I skipped the first 5 chapters, about half of the book, to find the first place it gave me some easy two handed pieces.

Joan Benson packs a lot into this slender volume: coaching in technique, graduated exercises, introduction to the literature, a wonderful bibliography, and above all else her love of music. This book is pure joy.

Ganz langsam, bedacht und mit großer Sorgfalt führt Joan Benson den Leser an das Spiel des Clavichords heran. Schritt für Schritt eröffnet Sie den Zugang zu diesem außergewöhnlichen Instrument. Die Begleit DVD und die beiliegende CD sind eine schöne Ergänzung. Im Interview mit Joan Benson (DVD) wird noch einmal die Anfangszeit der “Alte-Musik Bewegung“ lebendig.

Das ausführliche Buch mit CD und DVD gibt einen sehr guten Überblick über das Erlernen diesessensiblen Tasteninstruments mit vielen Musikbeispielen.