Following on from the vivid and frank memoirs of amateur pianists Howard Smith (Note for Note: Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered) and Alan Rusbridger (Play It Again: An Amateur Against the Impossible) Keith Jacobsen has entered the field with a moving and comprehensive quasi autobiography that intersperses the narrative thread with interludes on various issues relating to piano playing, including tone, rhythm and ‘musical’ interpretation.

Like Smith and Rusbridger, Jacobsen’s story shows determination, enterprise and discipline aplenty. Smith details with touching candour just how difficult it can be for adult returners to stay on the ‘straight and narrow’ and make progress. Rusbridger’s offering focuses on a titanic, ultimately triumphant struggle to learn and perform Chopin’s G minor Ballade. Jacobsen’s book is rather different in that it records how, having shown promise in childhood, he manages to restart the piano after decades pursuing other things.

The sadness of an unhappy family life and a failed marriage are outlined next to ongoing issues relating to repertoire, teachers, concerts, diplomas and frustrations at the instrument itself. But ultimately the journey is positive. Like Smith and Rusbridger, all ends well, with Jacobsen’s success in tackling Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations acting as a suitable highpoint in the narrative.

Throughout one senses Jacobsen’s strength of character and admirable perseverance in harnessing his lifelong love for music and piano playing. A touchingly candid memoir.