The last words or late works of an artist always have a certain fascination, and this book explores the final concerts played by a long list of great pianists. There's a common theme of mortality of course, whether the performances were planned in advance as a farewell to the stage or were a tragic cutting short of life through illness or accident. This book is a poignant reflection on the final clap of the final hands.

Sir Stephen Hough, pianist

This book chronicles the final moments in the spotlight for many of the most important pianists in history. Not only informative, it is a moving tribute to their lifetimes of achievement in bringing great music to life.

Matthew Bengtson, pianist; Associate Professor of Piano Literature, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, USA

An original concept, assiduously researched and annotated, The Last Note is a welcome addition to the library of every pianophile, an invaluable reference resource – and an engaging read to boot. For anyone wanting to delve into the lives of the great pianists of the past, the deft sketches of their careers set those final performances in context and provide a succinct and stimulating introduction to the subject.

Jeremy Nicholas, pianist, actor, broadcaster, and music critic