Charles-Louis Hanon facts for kids
Charles-Louis Hanon (born July 2, 1819 – died March 19, 1900) was a French piano teacher and composer. He is most famous for his book The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 Exercises. This book is still used today to teach piano, even though some people have different opinions about it. Hanon was born in Renescure, France, and passed away in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Who Was Charles-Louis Hanon?
Charles-Louis Hanon was born in a small village called Renescure in northern France. This was on July 2, 1819. He learned to play the organ from a local teacher. We don't know if he had more advanced music lessons.
When he was 27, Hanon moved to Boulogne-sur-Mer. He lived there with his brother François, who was also a musician. Music was important to Hanon, but it wasn't his only interest. He was also a very religious person. He was involved with groups that helped people in need.
In 1869, it was noted that Hanon worked with a group called the "Brothers of the Christian Schools." This group started in the 1600s. They created schools that gave free lessons to children from poor families. One of these schools in Boulogne-sur-Mer offered free music lessons starting around 1830.
Hanon's Famous Piano Exercises
Piano students all over the world know about Hanon's special training exercises. His book, The Virtuoso Pianist, has 60 exercises. Famous pianists like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Josef Lhévinne believed these exercises were key to why so many amazing pianists came from Russia. For a long time, these exercises were a must-do in Russian music schools. Students even had to play them from memory, in all keys, and very fast!
Many respected piano teachers and players agree that Hanon's exercises are valuable. However, some critics have questioned them. They wonder if the exercises truly help fingers move independently. Some teachers even think they might be harmful.
Some music schools like to hold a "Hanon Marathon." This is where students play the exercises in a competition. The Church Street School for Music and Art was the first to start this fun event.
Other Works by Hanon
Hanon also wrote other music books. These include 50 teaching pieces called Méthode Élémentaire de Piano. He also created a collection of 50 Ecclesiastical Chants, which are religious songs.
Hanon's ideas have been used for other instruments too. Charles Nunzio wrote Hanon for Accordion. This is a two-volume set of exercises for the piano accordion. It follows a similar teaching style. There are also Hanon-style exercise books for guitar and bass.
See also
- Five finger exercise
