Rating: 
Summary: It's a Brief But Very Much to the Point Discourse
Review: A well written book using only simple language, very easy to read. It's always better to get something right from the horse mouth--i.e. from someone who is really great, however brief it may be, instead of someone who merely aims great and is in fact no more than a mediocrity, however great their great pupils might be!In a nutshell: (1) Remember that the musician is the horse and the pianist only the cart; and, rhythm being the "spirit of music". (2) Always seek for a rich singing tone, touch being the key. (3) How to do it? Use the cushion flesh of the fingers supported by loose wrists as shock absorbers; " hold" instead of delivering blows to the keys ; and also give your left hand parts indivduality and independence "and your playing improves 100%", and a lot of other practical tips...
Rating: 
Summary: Not only is he a brilliant pianist, he's a wonderful teacher
Review: Anyone listening to Josef Lhevinne's thirds etude by Chopin (op 25/6) will testify that he's got a wealth of technique, brilliance, and amazing tone. In his encompassing yet concise book he attempts to portray is very artisic beliefs to the reader. This book will help even the most advanced pianist, and the ideas presented are very clear and easy to understand. Lhevinne spares no effort to decorate his book with extensive excerpts by famous composers, mainly Chopin, Rubinstein, Liszt and Schumann. A recommended read for all pianists and anyone who enjoys listening to this great instrument. The book is relevant to all pianists regardless of level.
Rating:
Summary: Not only is he a brilliant pianist, he's a wonderful teacher
Review: Anyone listening to Josef Lhevinne's thirds etude by Chopin (op 25/6) will testify that he's got a wealth of technique, brilliance, and amazing tone. In his encompassing yet concise book he attempts to portray is very artisic beliefs to the reader. This book will help even the most advanced pianist, and the ideas presented are very clear and easy to understand. Lhevinne spares no effort to decorate his book with extensive excerpts by famous composers, mainly Chopin, Rubinstein, Liszt and Schumann. A recommended read for all pianists and anyone who enjoys listening to this great instrument. The book is relevant to all pianists regardless of level.
Rating: 
Summary: Another book.
Review: I didn't find this book very useful, I recommend saving your money for some of the more recently written books on piano playing, such as the wonderful book by Gyorgy Sandor (On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression), or the one by Seymour Fink (Mastering Piano Technique: A Guide for Students, Teachers, and Performers). Those are much more helpful in detailed technical and artistic suggestions. Actually, those others are so much better you must have a copy if you are serious about the piano.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Josef Lhevinne has done an oustanding job in BASIC PRINCIPLES IN PIANOFORTE PLAYING. He covers many useful topics such as sight-reading, rhythm, practice, using the pedal, legato, but the majority of this book is devoted to the secret of a beautiful tone. Although this book is very short (the material is supposed to be basic, after all), Lhevinne manages to effectively illustrate everything he presents by applying each principle to excerpts from well-known classical pieces. As a pianist who is trying to improve his technique, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is seeking to do the same.
Rating:
Summary: Worth every page
Review: Perhaps the previous reviewer did not take note of the title - "Basic Principles in Piano Forte Playing", which is just what it is - nothing more, nothing less. Josef Lehvinne is of the old school of thinking, namely, he believes that only meisters should be teaching how to play music, although he grudgingly acknowledges that demand outstrips supply and American "method" teaching has reached acceptable standards. I dread what he would think of me trying to teach myself. I could make fun of his attitude, but in reality he is a perfectionist, and that is what it really takes to make an outstanding musician of any instrument. Furthermore, he shares in a very readable style what is important when mastering the piano. Even a beginner like me can appreciate the value of his very generous advice. Every page has at least one or more important gems, and his style of writing is such that you are sure to remember them!
Rating:
Summary: Another book.
Review: Perhaps the previous reviewer did not take note of the title - "Basic Principles in Piano Forte Playing", which is just what it is - nothing more, nothing less. Josef Lehvinne is of the old school of thinking, namely, he believes that only meisters should be teaching how to play music, although he grudgingly acknowledges that demand outstrips supply and American "method" teaching has reached acceptable standards. I dread what he would think of me trying to teach myself. I could make fun of his attitude, but in reality he is a perfectionist, and that is what it really takes to make an outstanding musician of any instrument. Furthermore, he shares in a very readable style what is important when mastering the piano. Even a beginner like me can appreciate the value of his very generous advice. Every page has at least one or more important gems, and his style of writing is such that you are sure to remember them!
Rating:
Summary: Worth every page
Review: Perhaps the previous reviewer did not take note of the title - "Basic Principles in Piano Forte Playing", which is just what it is - nothing more, nothing less. Josef Lehvinne is of the old school of thinking, namely, he believes that only meisters should be teaching how to play music, although he grudgingly acknowledges that demand outstrips supply and American "method" teaching has reached acceptable standards. I dread what he would think of me trying to teach myself. I could make fun of his attitude, but in reality he is a perfectionist, and that is what it really takes to make an outstanding musician of any instrument. Furthermore, he shares in a very readable style what is important when mastering the piano. Even a beginner like me can appreciate the value of his very generous advice. Every page has at least one or more important gems, and his style of writing is such that you are sure to remember them!
Rating:
Summary: Basic Principles in Pianoforte Playing
Review: This book has a wealth of information. It is a both scholarly and concise read, with musical terminology and examples to please serious pianists, but written in a style that is helpful to amateurs as well. Its shorter length and lower price make it an ideal study tool for high school and college piano students.
Rating:
Summary: Goes beyond playing notes!
Review: This is a book I have read several times over, highlighted important text and applied to my everyday practicing. It is a excellent read on how to play beyond notes - touch and feel.
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