5 comments about Stradivari's Genius: Five Violins, One Cello, and Three Centuries of Enduring Perfection.

1. I have no disagreement with the genius of Stradivari or the excellent qualities of his extraordinary violins and other stringed instruments. However it should not be overlooked that Stradivari was not entirely unique: equally fine instruments were made in Cremona at about the same time by Giuseppi Antonio Guarneri. In fact, many famous virtuoso violinists have chosen to play Guarnerius rather than Stradivarius violins, a fact not generally known to the public. At one time Polish virtuoso Henryk Szeryng owned two Stradivarius and one Guarnerius violins. Eventually, he donated the two Strads to worthy musical institutions and kept only the Guarnerius. Szeryng treasured his Guarnerius so much that, when he travelled, he bought two seats -- one for himself and one for his Guarnerius.
   
   The mystery behind the greatness of Stradivarius violins is actually a somewhat broader mystery: How did Cremona Italy in the late 17th and early-to-mid 18th centuries produce two artisans who made the greatest violins ever made? And why did this artistry end when they died?



2. this book is a must for all music lovers. it is factual without being boring and mr faber does a great job telling his story. i couldn't put i down and i don't even play an instrument. a great read!



3. I was out the other week searching for new books to read and came across Stradivari's Violins. A self-avowed classical music fan, I started leafing through the pages to see if the book would spark my interest. Well, a day and a half later and the book was completed, leaving me wanting for more! An outstanding read, the book chronicles the birth and subsequent history of five violins and one cello, over the course of time and history. If you are interested at all in history, music history, classical prose, or any genre in the history/music categories, this book would be a great read. It appeals to a large audience I think, and for fans of the movie the Red Violin, this book would make a great companion piece, although that movie was about a violin not covered within the pages, the Red Mendelssohn. Now in paperback, this book is definitely a bargain!



4. Interested in learning violin structure and repair, I felt the need to know a bit about the famous violin makers of the world. I highly recommend this book as it was very informative and actually a great read as I felt drawn to know more and more about the great Stradivari. Jim



5. This is the book for anyone wanting an accessible introduction to the mystique surrounding the famous Italian violin maker Stradivarius. Rather than trying to take on such an overwhelming and near-mythic character head-on, Toby Faber wisely decides to focus his work on the instruments themselves, carefully placing Stradivari's biographical and the violin's technical details throughout. As the title states, the book examines the `life' of six of Stradivari's instruments from their creation to the present day, exploring along the way the tastes, the desires, and the obsessions of generations of players and collectors. Although hundreds of Stradivari's instruments still exist, Faber has selected these particular examples because of their complex histories and their connections with famous historical figures. While at times his writing seems to trudge along when the instruments' stories become impossibly intertwined, Faber's style of story-telling is engaging and effective for the topic; this is a book that both specialists and novices will enjoy. Interestingly, he ends the book by questioning the ordinarily unassailable value placed on old instruments, noting that some antique violins seem to have lost their sound. He ends by saying, "One day, supplies of the great classical violins will run out. We need a new Stradivari." Fortunately, this enticing last line is addressed by a perfect companion book to Faber's: John Marchese's "The Violin Maker" (2007).

1 comments about Position Pieces for Cello.

1. I am an adult learning the cello. I would be considered an intermediate to advanced beginner.
   
   Position Pieces is an outstanding way to learn the positions on the cello. Some of the tunes are somewhat juvenile, but they have all challenged me.
   
   The book also incorporates other techniques in the pieces, so it's more than just shifting. My instructor and I have enjoyed working through this book.
   
   It would be very difficult to do if you are trying to teach yourself.

3 comments about The Art of Cello Playing: A Complete Textbook Method for Private or Class Instruction.

1. This is a very useful and intelligent book for beginning cellists. There is a wealth of information about cello technique, and an abundance of musical and even physical exercises (along with detailed instructions on how to read music). I am very glad I bought this book -- it's a gem.



2. This book culminates a top quality effort in pedagoy in cello technique. It is intended for beginners in the cello, but probably should be on every amateur cellist's book shelf as a valuable resource guide. There is probably a good three years worth of material here. I'll let you know when I finish it!

   This effort to present the art of playing the cello in a systematic way--a "cello method", however, both enhances and detracts from the lasting usefulness of this book. If you follow through this book step-by-step, and gain some proficiency in a topic prior to moving on to the next topic, you will eventually learn the cello.

   But the systematic presentation makes this book difficult to use in diagnosing difficulties in technique that are the result of improper form, or motion. The material is there, but sometimes it takes a good while to find the exact presentation you are looking for. But still, the author's insight into the difficulties students tend to accumulate are well worth the effort required to track it down. Who knows, maybe you will learn something else while you are perusing the book. But I find it difficult to come up with an approach that would accomadate this usage, so I do not criticise this. On the contrary, I think more non-beginning amateurs should get this book for this purpose! The effort is worthwhile.

   The only criticism of this book that I have is that it does use pictures to show posture, and so on. I am sure that in the early editions of this book, the pictures were wonderfully clear and illustrate the subtleties of form and posture precicely. But the current printing quality leaves a lot to be desired, sadly. It would be well worth someone's time to replace the pictures with line drawings, which do not lose content as the printing quality deteriorates. And a fingerboard chart would really be helpful.

   This book is a definite must!




3. This book uses illustrations, words, and music examples to explain every aspects of cello techniques, which I found interesting and useful. The look of the pages might not be as colorful or flashy than many other books, but you would have more fun out of it and really build up a healthy playing foundation for all cello music.
   
   The author introduced the fourth position after the first position - a method I also use on all my cello students - which helps greatly in developing a good shifting habit. This is a very interesting and efficient approach, and I suggest all the cellists and teachers out there to give it a try!

2 comments about Suzuki Cello School: Cello Part Volume 1 Revise Edition (Suzuki Cello School, Cello Part Volume 1).

1. I started learning the cello with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations in book one of the Suzuki Cello School. Ever since I first learned those notes, the Suzuki Cello Method has challenged and amazed me. I would whole-heartedly recommend the Suzuki method to anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument while playing recognizable songs.



2. There is very little instruction orminformation. Successful use of this booklet is dependent on quqlity instruction from your teacher. The booklet it self is esentially devoid of helpful information.

5 comments about The Adventures of a Cello.

1. In 1720 the elderly violin maker Stradivari made a masterpiece: it was known as the 'Red Stradivari', but it wasn't a violin - it was a cello. Under its new name, the Piatti, it left Italy on a tour, to eventually become the author's key to success. Here is the history of Piatti, from its creation through its different owners. Cello players and classical music enthusiasts will relish this affectionate survey.



2. Prieto's fascinating account of his famous cello's life is just the base upon which he gives a wealth of information about cellos, cellists, the cello literature, performances, and the world of the classical musician. Cellists and anyone appreciating cello music will find many portions they can use or be amused by.



3. I loved this book and you don't have to be a cello enthusiast to enjoy reading it. Some parts are a bit slow but the good stuff makes up for it. Prieto has a personable writing style and obvious emotional attachment to his cello that is infectious. He structures the story well - his path to cello stardom is unusual and offers life lessons to people of all ages. He draws the reader in early with the tension behind "How did HE end up with a Strad cello???" The book is kind of a smorgasbord of music trivia/ commentary, including and engaging (if informal) overview of the great composers from the past to the present (much better than the historical overview in The Cambridge Companion to the Cello). Lastly, he is also of an age where his own life story is begins to offer a window into an era gone by. Sr. Prieto will be on your "dream dinner party" list after you read this. Buy the book and pass it on...!



4. My husband, a professional cellist, received this book as a gift. He enjoyed it immensely. He has sent at least 5 of them to other cellist friends--some professional, some who just love to play. All reports from those who have received this gift have been wonderful. Highly recommended to those who play... and those who don't... there's a lot of interesting information about the instrument, the musicians who play and teach, and the world of music.



5. This is a facile read...an entertaining and enlightening account of the "life" of a priceless Stradivari cello since its "birth". Along the way we learn briefly of the various characters who played a significant role in the cello's life history. The first part of the book gives a review of famous stringed instrument makers and the construction of these instruments. Ideal for either the interested "aficionado" or professional musician.

3 comments about Norton Recorded Anthology of Western Music, Fifth Edition, Volume 2: Classic to Twentieth Century (6 CDs).

1. These CDs are great, i can appreciate them more however, through my music class.



2. The CDs in this set are not packaged in standard jewelboxes nor even in cheap sleeves, but are mounted directly atop a printed surface. As a result, when I purchased the set from my school bookstore, I found that several of the CDs had dried flecks of ink on the data side that made it impossible to play or rip certain tracks. Beware.



3. Excellent product..one of the standard anthologies available for studying Music History.
   
   One caveat, if you're using Hanning's Concise Grout as a companion text, be sure to match the correct edition of the anthology + recordings to the correct edition of the text.

5 comments about Cello Playing for Music Lovers: A Self-Teaching Method.

1. CPML is an attempt to bring the complex and daunting task of learning to play the cello down to earth and approachable for adult beginners. Unlike the typical beginning cello book, CPML contain easy-to-read explanatory text matched with simple, short, playable examples that illustrate the point of the text. The target audience for the book is a typical adult non-musician who might feel intimidated by technical-looking cello methods and etude books, but who, through life experience, is already familiar with many of the melodies and fragments of classics that make up the book. The learner can relate the point in the text to the already-familiar example; and then perform the example.
   
   I don't know of another book like this one for cellists with this mix of adult-beginner orientation, conversational style, widely-known examples from popular culture, a demonstration CD, and introductory discussions of concepts such as relaxation, dynamics, factors in choice of bowings and fingerings, modulations, and modes. The closest would be Louis Potter's Art of Cello Playing which has many more exercises and scales, a little explanatory text, just a few commonly-known tunes, and no audio CD. CPML frequently relates the discussion to specific pages in both Art of Cello Playing and Alvin Schroeder's 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello, suggesting a student would do well to work from all three books.
   
   The book addresses the primary issues for cello beginners: parts of the cello, posture, bow hold, hand position, rudiments of scales, notation, positions, etc, assuming no prior knowledge on the part of the student. It contains several fingering charts, progressively covering more of the fingerboard, from 1st position to 4th position, including ½ position. The fifty "songs" include Some Enchanted Evening, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, My Funny Valentine, Hava Nagila, Shenandoah, and Old Dan Tucker. The twenty-four classical excerpts are short extracts of a major theme, or just a few phrases, not necessarily in the same key as commonly performed. Examples include themes from Pomp and Circumstance, J.S. Bach's Arioso, and Tchaikovsky's Song Without Words.
   
   The audio CD contains 97 tracks demonstrating the simple exercises, scales, and melodies notated in the book. All the songs and classical excerpts are melodies that, of course, adapt easily to cello. Just the things to have ready when Uncle Glenn and Aunt Helen visit and ask, "So, play us something!" The audio CD tracks were recorded by Erik Friedlander (Personally, I would have preferred to hear Dr. Jiji, even if the performance were not at such a high professional level). The melodies as presented in book, often (but not always) use open strings, lower positions, and (early in the book) no vibrato, as befitting the level of the student, and Friedlander plays them well, fingered as notated, and at tempos suitable for the student . However, on the last track of the CD, labeled "Encore," Friedlander reprises nine of the melodies, letting loose with a large dynamic range and full vibrato on more professional-style fingerings. Yep, those simple tunes sound so absolutely gorgeous on cello.
   
   Dr. Jiji does not pretend to be an expert, only a veteran, so she also relates personal stories of setbacks to which the reader might relate. One thing that is not so unusual in some books but I've never seen in a cello book: At several places, the author suggests names of tunes at an appropriate level that the student should try to figure out on his/her own. She provides the key and the starting note. I have to think an early beginner that has figured out tunes by ear on the cello will have increased confidence in his or her ability to hear and learn (Didn't Pablo Casals start out that way on his gourd cello?).
   
   CPML's foreward was written by Dr. Diliana Momtchilova, who also reviewed the book for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Dr. Momtchilova received her doctorate from the Juilliard School, where she has won the Haydn D Major Cello Concerto Competition. She is a member of the Alaria Chamber Music Ensemble, serves on the faculty at Mannes Music College; and has won a number of International competitions; so presumably she knows her stuff.
   
   The way I see it, the more a student knows outside of lessons, the more the teacher can cover other things during the lesson. For less than the price of a single lesson, CPML covers the basic cello-facts through 4th position, and can be a source of inspiration for individual enjoyment and exploration. But perhaps the best use of the book would by teachers. My teacher, who has quite a few adult students, has looked through it, was favorably impressed, and expects to borrow it when I come back for my next lesson. I wonder if I'll get it back.
   
   Oh, and do catch the story of the Weeping Camel at the end of the book.



2. Some mysterious, internal, Catch-22-like corporate snafu seems to be preventing Amazon from selling this book. Until this is resolved, you should visit the author's excellent website.



3. I have some music background but nothing with string instruments. I have enjoyed this book and i feel confident that it along with lots of practice will get me to my goals. steve



4. First of all, I like to thank the author for writing this book. As an adult beginner who doesn't like to spend a fortune on private lessons (although I admit the benefit of it), this is the god-send book for me. It's well paced and easily understood. I couldn't find any other books to replace this one, and with other practice-oriented books (such as suzuki), I find it very helpful to use both to complete my practice routine!



5. I don't write reviews often but I had to take the time to praise this book. I've been working with it now for four months (along with a teacher once a week). I played cello as a child but did not continue as a teen and adult. This book is truly the only comprehensive textbook for serious adult students. The author even recommends two etude books (you pick one or both up to you) to go along with her chapters. I'm very impressed at the way she introduces various concepts and how the pieces chosen are exactly what you need to master each concept.
   
   If you are picking up the cello as an adult this is the book you need. I recommend hiring yourself a good teacher too who will be happy to use the book with you.

2 comments about Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Plus DVD: Cello.

1. The new Essential Elements 2000 comes with an accompaniment CD that makes learning fun for beginning students. I use it as a supplement to the Suzuki method and my students love it.



2. I started learning to play the cello at the age of 40. I came into it knowing *nothing* about music or musical instrumets. I knew how to listen to music, but couldn't play it, read it, or make it, and I was completely unfamiliar with the various parts of a cello.
   
   While obviously written for children (my favorite line: page 4 "Wait quietly for your teacher to tune your instrument"), this book is perfect for beginning adult students as well. I learned to identify the parts of the instrument, how to hold it while playing, fingering techniques, and how to properly hold and use the bow (more challenging than it looks). The book does a very good job of introducing the "language" of music to those who have no previous experience with time signatures, clef signs, key signatures, eighth notes and half notes, half steps and whole steps, etc. And if you couldn't sight read music before, you certainly will get it while working with this book.
   
   If you already have some musical training, this book may very well be too basic for you. If you are like me, an *absolute* beginner, I recommend this book with enthusiasm. As some wise person once said, it's okay to begin at the beginning. This book is the perfect companion as you start your musical journey!

5 comments about The ABCs of Cello for the Absolute Beginner: Cello, Book 1.

1. Whether you are an adult beginner or a parent who is looking for a good introductory book for your child, definitely get this book. Janice Tucker Rhoda is a well-known musical educator, and I purchased this book based solely on her name. Her instruction gives the warm-ups, scales and rhythm exercises that you need to learn any instrument, but she quickly gives you real music to play.
   
   The graphics pick up on the simple, easy-to-understand approach, with no cutsie-pie graphics to distract. You need that when you are sitting so far from your music.
   
   I initially started with a Suzuki book, but think that this is much better because it has a more structured approach.
   
   I highly recommend this book. I was especially pleased with it because, as a violinist, I didn't read the bass clef and, quite frankly, was afraid that I would have difficult with it. I'm pleased to find that, with this book, I'm finding it quite easy.
   
   As with learning any musical instrument, having the help of a professional instructor--along with this book--can help you learn much faster--and avoid picking up bad habits.



2. I wish I had studied the cello years ago, but it's better late than never! I started with this book for the Absolute Beginner and 'am now in ABCs of Cello book 3. This cello book 1 starts out easy with familiar tunes and warm-up exercises. It explains the staff and bass clef which is not the same as a violinists clef, the treble clef. You learn all the basic notes on all the strings in this book in 1st position and as you move along in the upper books you learn "shifting" which means you move your arm and fingers up the neck of the cello. All these books cover alot and are very basic at the same time.
   
   Cello is the best!!



3. We recently ordered this book for my adult (40 something) son who had never played cello before. He finds the book to be more than adequate and he is enjoying learning from it.



4. I used to play cello in highschool and then dropped it completely for 20 years. I am finding these three, beginning, intermediate, & advanced books very useful.
   
   The beggining book has a nice mixture of melodies and instructions, and I quickly got back up to speed. To get the most out of it, you really need to sit and read it as well, small phrases can be passed over that are very important, such as "try to think about the musical phrase while you play" is easy to overlook while practicing, but important to keep in mind.
   
   Having played before I am finding myself flipping back and forth between books, but even the begginning book has some lovely pieces that with changes in emphasis or repeats become compelling pieces for performance.



5. Good book for the adult beginning cello student. Simply laid out, nothing cartoonish. Good exercises. I do wish it detailed proper bow grip better though.

5 comments about I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello.

1. Barbara S. Garriel has created an interesting shy fellow who has an almost never ending appetite for musical instruments. With the artistry of John O'Brien and the writing talents of Ms. Garriel, this shy fellow takes a whimsical journey that will have everyone smiling. This book is a "must have" !



2. The kids in my class loved singing along. I read/sang it with my K-3 music students. They all know the tune and enjoyed this variation. I used it to introduce various instruments and as a memory test for the kids. Cute pictures, well written. Just be ready to explain the word "bellow."



3. This book is a trip ! I teach Music K-2 and all the children loved this book. The best part about Shy Fellow is that it's a great teaching tool in terms of all different musical instruments swallowed. The children were amused, curious and interested with every page!
   Music Teachers: I highly recommend this book !!



4. This book is delicious! A parody on the song, " I know an old Lady who Swallowed a Fly", "I know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello" is funnier and delightfully illustrated. I purchased it because I am a music educator, and I highly recommend it for children from ages 3 to 100, but only if they have active imaginations.



5. My grandson (22 months) laughs when this is read and at the same time has learned the names of various musical instruments