Twelve Etudes, Op.39 composed by Edward MacDowell, is intended for the moderately advanced student. Since most of the etude literature written by the major composers are virtuosic in nature and intended to cultivate a brilliant and virtuosic technique of the advanced pianists, many of the etudes in Op.39 are unique in that the development of touch takes priority. In this edition, Gary Busch provides thorough commentaries about Edward MacDowell, the Twelve Etudes, Op.39, and the individual etudes within this collection. A brief description of pedagogical intent precedes each study in addition to practice suggestions for several of the etudes
