My life and music

My Life and Music originated from a series of lectures Artur Schnabel delivered at the University of Chicago in 1945. As one of the most significant pianists of the twentieth century, Schnabel was renowned for his intellectual approach to performance, particularly regarding the works of Beethoven and Schubert. These talks were transcribed and edited to preserve his unique pedagogical voice, offering a rare glimpse into the philosophy of a musician who viewed performance as an act of dedicated service to the composer’s intent.

The book serves as a cornerstone for those interested in the transition of musical interpretation in the mid-century era. Designed to be accessible to both students and the general public, it moves beyond mere technical advice to explore the broader existential and ethical responsibilities of the performing artist. Upon its publication, it was widely received as a seminal text, praised for its candor, wit, and the clarity with which Schnabel articulated his rigorous approach to the piano repertoire.