In this eloquent intimate exploration of the delights & demands of the piano world-renowned concert pianist & music writer Charles Rosen draws on a lifetime's wisdom to consider every aspect of the instrument from what makes a beautiful sound to suffering from stage fright from the physical challenges of playing to tales of great musicians including Vladimir Horowitz's recording tricks Rachmaninov's hands & why Artur Rubenstein applied hairspray to the keys Gracefully blending anecdote history expertise & memoir Piano Notes will enchant anyone with a passion for music