"The real joy of this book, which lifts it above many a textbook, is that the selected sonatas, though discussed in depth, illustrate the staging posts and landmarks on a much broader and more valuable journey through the development of the sonata itself. Davidson provides a "field guide" suitable for performers, students and listeners, steering all his readers towards the most fulsome and enjoyable engagement with each sonata and with the repertoire as a whole. It is marvellous both for its analysis and practical advice. The book is undoubtedly essential reading for anyone interested in learning, performing or teaching any of the works discussed within. Moreover though, I must strongly recommend it to any serious pianist or classical music-lover. I suspect many others will find just the same; Davidson has surely succeeded in his aim to write "a useful guide to some of the most marvellous music ever conceived"! OUTSTANDING!" Andrew Eales - Pianodao; 'A guide post for anyone seriously interested in piano music at a professional level. The perceptions, humour, and above all, humanity shine through in every page' - Professor Both Lehel, Director, Liszt Music Academy, Budapest; 'Michael Davidson's Mozart and the Pianist, so unanimously acclaimed, struck an ideal balance between scholarship and performance practice. His eagerly awaited The Classical Piano Sonata; from Haydn to Prokofiev is exceptionally interesting, each chapter like a masterclass or masterly concert' - Malcom Troup, EPTA Piano Journal, London; 'Hugely stimulating and thought provoking but also enjoyable, this book will be a boon not only for pianists, but for all readers' - Eleanor Bailie (author of The Pianist's Repertoire series)