A piano transcription is a piece of music played on one or more pianos that is an approximation of a source piece of music. The source may be music for a solo instrument or voice, an ensemble of instruments and/or voices, or even a piece originally for solo or ensemble piano. Piano transcriptions vary in faithfulness to the music source with some pieces being strict transcriptions (harpsichord to piano transcriptions) while other transcriptions only vaguely approximating the source (Liszt virtuoso medleys of themes from operas). Franz Liszt (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) was a virtuoso pianist and composer. ...

History

Piano transcriptions have likely existed for as long as the piano has been around.

19th Century

During the 19th century the piano transcription became popular for several reasons - the bourgeoisie grew in number and wealth, they were interested in symphonic and chamber music; the availability, quality, and affordability of attending ensemble music was not able to keep pace with this interest; and the design and production of the piano was modernized. Piano transcriptions filled this gap with transcribers turning old and new popular works into arrangements for one or two pianos involving one to four players. Composers used the transcription as a way to promote their music as well including most notably Brahms. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Johannes Brahms Johannes Brahms (May 7, 1833 – April 3, 1897) was a German composer of classical music. ...

See also: Social history of the piano

This social history article treats the role of the piano in the home, from its invention in the early 18th century to the present day. ...

20th Century

Piano transcriptions in the 20th century have been realized by Percy Grainger and Glenn Gould. Percy Aldridge Grainger (8 July 1882 – 20 February 1961) was an Australian-born pianist, composer, and champion of the saxophone and the Concert band. ... Glenn Gould rehearsing in 1974. ...

References

See also

Transcription (music) In music, transcription is the act of notating a piece or a sound which was previously unnotated. ...

Opus Transcribisticum

Editions Poole