... one of the most interesting, useful and even exciting books on the process of musical creation." —American Music Teacher

... noteworthy contribution... with plenty of insight into interpretation... remarkable as an insider's account of the works in an individual perspective." —European Music Teacher

Drake groups the Beethoven piano sonatas according to their musical qualities, rather than their chronology. He explores the interpretive implications of rhythm, dynamics, slurs, harmonic effects, and melodic development and identifies specific measures where Beethoven skillfully employs these compositional devices.