George Crumb often writes his music in a radical way for the piano, constantly asking the performer to play on the inside of the piano, a technique in which he is pretty much a pioneer. This book talks about the exploitation of a new and hitherto unexplored range of color that can be accessed with the hands and fingers inside the piano or by inserting sound-altering devices into the strings. However, he writes in textures and styles that clearly relate to Debussy and Chopin, particularly in his use of the sustaining pedal, and in the way, he sets up a layer of sustained sound through the pedal into which he then places his melodic and rhythmic ideas. He often mentions his indebtedness to these great masters of the past in his music program notes. He even sometimes quotes directly the music of Chopin or Beethoven within his own compositions. In that regard, Crumb sees his music in an evolutionary way. In George Crumbs piano music Makrokosmos Volume II, the pianist has the added issues of often having to play while standing, including playing on the keys and inside the piano while standing. These, and many other physical difficulties abound in this music, are dealt with throughout this technical guidebook.

George Crumb is a composer at the forefront of post-World War II American music, and never before has one volume combined a portrait of his life with a catalogue of his extensive work. David Cohen's George Crumb: A Bio-Bibliography corrects this by providing the reader and researcher with an overview of Crumb's life, career, and compositions; and an annotated guide to literature by and about the composer—including not only articles and books, but also album reviews, concert reviews, and interviews. The biographical portion, written in close consultation with the subject, has resulted in perhaps the most complete and accurate biography currently in existence—an irreplaceable resource for anyone seeking a full understanding of 20th-century music.

"The Hinson" has been indispensable for performers, teachers, and students. Now updated and expanded, it's better than ever, with 120 more composers, expertly guiding pianists to solo literature and answering the vital questions: What's available? How difficult is it? What are its special features? How does one reach the publisher? The "new Hinson" includes solo compositions of nearly 2,000 composers, with biographical sketches of major composers. Every entry offers description, publisher, number of pages, performance time, style and characteristics, and level of difficulty. Extensively revised, this new edition is destined to become a trusted guide for years to come.