1 comments about Bach 2 & 3 Part Inventions.

1. This edition of the inventions & sinfonias is actually quite good value for money. The fingerings are of course a personal preference, but the main issue I find with this edition is the poor paper and so-so print quality. Still, great price, just make sure you have some decent lighting and good support when reading from this edition as the stapled back gets a bit flimsy. Otherwise it's quite good VFM. The actual music, of course, speaks for itself. And it does so in spades.

5 comments about Complete Preludes and Etudes-Tableaux.

1. For the price, this is a good book. But I found the print a little bit light. So if your eyes aren't that great anymore, be aware.



2. If you want a book that has all of Rachmaninoff's preludes and etudes-tableaux in one attractive edition, this is the book for you. This is a must-have for any Rachmaninoff lover!



3. This book has given me countless evenings of entertainment. Rachmaninoff's preludes and etudes offer a very wide variety of styles and colors over a wide range of difficulty. Intermediate piano students will benefit greatly from learning some of the less challenging preludes and etudes, as these pieces prove indispensable ways to develop a good singing tone and a good ear for bringing out different voices and paying attention to counterpoint.
   
   More importantly, the pieces themselves stand as a testament to Rachmaninoff's compositional creativity and mastery, and are simply a pleasure to play and to listen to.
   
   I found the editing and printing to be quite satisfactory, and Dover's price makes this an essential purchase for anyone seriously studing the art of piano.



4. I purchased this for my son. He is enjoying thoroughly. Shipping was excellent. It was great to be able to track the item and know when it arrived. Thank you.



5. All pianists as well as Rakhmáñinov-lovers ought to have this score in their possession: a steal with excellent reprinting and good size of print (perhaps it could have been a little larger, but it's good enough nevertheless!) - and certainly less expensive than the original printing of Boosey & Hawkes! Get it!!!

1 comments about ZZ Top - Guitar Anthology.

1. This a great book! It is slam full of Texas Blues magic. Buy it! You'll never regret it! Billy Gibbons is the master. Be advised however... There are a few spots in the tunes that are not exactly the easiest way to achieve the riff. Here's a hint: When the spread is too great there must be another way. Your thumb is your friend. ;)

5 comments about The Prince (Signet Classics).

1. Heard THE PRINCE by Niccolo Machiavelli, one of those books
   that I've always meant to read . . . but just never got around to do so.
   
   Now I finally had the opportunity (as a result of being able to listen to it
   while driving) and am glad I did--particularly because of its relevance
   to what's currently happening in politics . . . also, as a result, I now
   have a better understanding of the term Machievellianism . . . or
   that any means, however unscrupulous, can justifiably be used
   in achieving political power.
   
   Though originally written in the 16th century, THE PRINCE is still
   remarkably up to date . . . the examples used by Machiavelli
   feel like they come from today's headlines . . . also, they pertain
   to many situations wherein power is utilized--both in business
   and in the political arena.
   
   There were many quotes that got me thinking; among them:
   * Hence it is necessary for a prince wishing to hold his own to know
   how to do wrong, and to make use of it or not according to necessity.
   
   * We have not seen great things done in our time except by those
   who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.
   
   And this final one:
   * If men were entirely good this precept would not hold, but because
   they are bad, and will not keep faith with you, you too are not bound
   to observe it with them. Nor will thee ever be wanting to a prince
   legitimate reasons to excuse this nonobservance.
   
   I found it interesting to learn that Machievelli wrote this book
   after he was fired as Secretary to the Second Chancery of the
   Signoria . . . methinks that had he been around now, Tim Russert
   and/or other political commentators could well be out of job.



2. Without a doubt, Nicolo Machiavelli has to be the most dissembling, evil man I've ever read. Though he covers it well in his constantly changing subjects and demeanor I would have not wanted to be around him in the 16th century. I would have never trusted him not to ensnare me in one of his plots!



3. A young colleague of mine recently said `management is easy'. I smiled enigmatically and considered buying him a copy of `The Prince' but I fear it would be wasted. I am now on my third copy of this book which, alas, I can only read in English. The George Bull translation (as reprinted in 1995) is the version I currently refer to.
   
   I first read this book when studying economic history at high school in the second half of the last century. I was intrigued by Machiavelli's advice even though I had little understanding of the Florentine Republic. I next read the book when looking more generally at political models and at Renaissance history. Since then, I've always had a copy: it is as relevant to understanding the art and practice of management as it is to a broader understanding of the models and processes of governance. It also provides some valuable contextual setting for those interested in the Medici.
   
   So why is `The Prince' still relevant? What can we learn from a treatise that was dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici (1492 - 1519) but not published until 1532, some five years after Machiavelli himself was dead?
   
   Specific settings and circumstances may change: general human psychology and motivation does not. There is politics involved in all management. The chasm between management theory and practice is occupied by politics (in all senses) and complicated by the affairs, aspirations and expedient alliances of people.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith



4. This particular version of Nicccolo Machievelli's "The Prince" was incredibly easy to read. There was no rubbing my noggin wondering what he was saying. Nope it was as clear as day and the way that he described retaining power is still the same today as it was in his day. Albeit a little less bloody.



5. Machiavelli's "The Prince" is a guide of morality-void techniques for acquiring and maintaining political power and ultimately, political fortune. Written nearly 500 years ago, this blueprint for tyranny is just as relevant today. As his compass, Machiavelli uses history, both ancient and contemporary. In 500 years, no one has proven him wrong. Here's a flavor for you innocents out there: "For, in truth, there is no sure way of holding other than by destroying, and whoever becomes master of a City accustomed to live in freedom and does not destroy it, may reckon on being destoyed by it". War is Machiavelli's wet dream: "A Prince, therefore, should have no care or thought but for war, and for the regulations and training it requires, and should apply himself exclusively to this as his peculiar province; for war is the sole art looked for in one who rules". Espousing the virtues of the noble lie, Machiavelli follows up with, "men are so simple, and governed so absolutely by their present needs, that he who wishes to deceive will never fail in finding willing dupes". And with this quote, I now challenge anyone to dispute the Machiavellian nature of the American Corporate State as written about in Don't Weep for Me, America: How Democracy in America Became the Prince (While We Slept). All the parallels are brought to light, always through the eyes of George Orwell. Get informed. Your city (country) is being destroyed...

5 comments about In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet.

1. Rarely do I write in about purchases I've made, but In The Wings deserves mention. I bought this book for my daughter, a twelve-year old aspiring dancer, but when it arrived in the mail, I found myself completely immersed in it.
   I don't consider myself a ballet buff. What I immediately identified with was the dancers' devotion to their art. I loved the fact that Froman didn't portray this world as sugary sweet. In page after page of gorgeous photography, he showed what it was like to devote yourself to something, what it takes from you, and what it gives back. Bravo, Kyle Froman



2. I wish this book would have received more attention upon its release. It is a fabulous book of photographs and commentary from someone, a dancer, on the inside at New York City Ballet and is filled with images, wonderful images, that one would likely not otherwise see in any other ballet book. For the fan of NYCB it's a must have, but would be equally at home on the shelf of any ballet or photography fan. Mr. Froman has produced a keeper. Bravo!!!



3. This book is not another valentine to the New York City Ballet - it's far more authentic than that, and far more important. It's an often poignant look at what it's been like for this thoughtful, creatively gifted dancer to grow up in the company, with all the joys and disappointments that come with that surreal but privileged life.
   I've always thought of Kyle Froman as a beautiful dancer, but as it turns out he's also a gifted photographer and an elegant writer as well. His photographs and his words have a penetrating honesty, and the book succeeds so brilliantly because it rings so true.



4. In The Wings is a wonderful book to own especially if you or the person you're buying the book for has had dance training. It's a wonderful look at everything you don't see before the performance. The morning warm up, ten-minute break, and exhausting rehearsals. My only gripe is that it's small! I was hoping this would be a coffee table book but it is in fact compact and very easy to take around.
   
   The pictures and commentary are fabulous and give an in depth look into the goings on of the NYCB.
   
   Highly recommended for the content and both black and white and color photographs. Only downer is the size, but that is easily looked past when you see what an amazing book this is.



5. Ballet is an illusion, a theatrical illusion, and I was not gratified by the frequent grotesquerie I saw when peering behind the curtain. Kyle Froman is a talented photographer and a well situated one. But ballet is so fragile, it is best seen from a distance. Scenes of warming up, lifts captured from a back view, and worst of all, physical therapy ordeals, all to me add nothing to the artistic joy I hope for as an audience member. It is aesthetically displeasing to me. And the underwear and almost nude photos were gratuitous and disrespectful of the dancers as artists. Some views should remain backstage with the curtain discreetly drawn.

5 comments about The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro): Vocal Score.

1. This is a commonly used edition among members of the opera community. You really can't go wrong with it.



2. As a big fan of G Schirmer opera scores I prehaps should not be allowed to be able to review this, but I will any way.

   The english translation is not the best, but with it there you can get a little bit of a good idea on what you are saying, that is if you are singing the italian version.

   I plan on using this in my concert comming up, and I just thin the arrangement of the "Deh Vieni, Non Tardar" is great. (I love the part of Susanna!) So enough said. If you are an opera company or an opera singer, or even an aspiring opera singer like myself, then you really need this book. Nuff' said.

   ~Adele




3. As a big fan of G Schirmer opera scores I prehaps should not be allowed to be able to review this, but I will any way.

   The english translation is not the best, but with it there you can get a little bit of a good idea on what you are saying, that is if you are singing the italian version.

   I plan on using this in my concert comming up, and I just adore the arrangement of the "Deh Vieni, Non Tardar" is great. (I love the part of Susanna!) So enough said. If you are an opera company or an opera singer, or even an aspiring opera singer like myself, then you really need this book. Nuff' said.

   ~Adele




4. I received the Ruth and Thomas Martin English translation edition of Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" in a timely manner. Both English and Italian are present. In case someone is unaware, some musical notes may seem to be extra when in fact they are necessary when singing in Italian. One of the greatest operas ever written!



5. I purchased this book "The Marriage of Figaro" for our son as a Christmas Gift. He is majoring in Music Education in college and is interested in Opera. He performed in this very Opera at his college this past Fall. He is very happy with this book - he intends to use this in his future music education career.

3 comments about Classical Destinations: An Armchair Guide to Classical Music.

1. I wish that I would have had this book while planning my travels around Europe! The photos and stories that it comes with are absoultely amazing. As a person who loves to travel and majored in music, this book is able to tell and show the historic cities that inspired some of the greatest classical music ever! I can't wait for my next trip to Europe to see some of the things that I missed!



2. CLASSICAL DESTINATIONS: AN ARMCHAIR GUIDE TO CLASSICAL MUSIC considers the history and geography of classical music in Europe's greatest cities, blending over 200 color photos in a new title tied to the TV series and national PBS special of the same name. It's more than a biography, though it does consider the lives of the great world composers - it blends in a travelogue to the places they lived and created in, it shows how their works were influenced by the cities they lived in, and it blends travel with classical music insights in a delightful visual and written treat recommended for any library collection strong in classical music history and culture.



3. 
   I loved the whole tv series, bought the DVD and then the book. The book is basically the spoken words of the tv series and flows along beautifully, educating us in the basics of the classical music greats. Stunning scenery and insights into the beauty of classical europe, it takes us on a journer that we want to live in real life.
   
   This is one to own......and if you love the book then make sure you have the DVD as well!!!

No comments about Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology Baritone and Bass Vol.5 SMTA (Baritone/Bass).

5 comments about Chopin: Pianist and Teacher: As Seen by his Pupils.

1. AAA++++...a must have book if you are serious about playing Chopin. A wealth of valuable information. Very highly recommanded.



2. To the general public Chopin is famous for his beautiful piano music. However, in his days he also was a renowned piano teacher with some revolutionary ideas (at least for his time) about piano technique. His students included rich, aristocratic ladies (he had to make a living) and some very talented students.
   Luckily many of the things Chopin told his students during their lessons have been preserved in various diaries and notes by his students and have now been compiled in this book.
   Also, Chopin made a start with a piano method (which he did not complete). This method is also included in this book.
   If you are a piano student this book is simply a must-have.
   If you are not a pianist, but seriously interested in Chopin's ideas about (his own) music and teaching you also should buy this book.
   JJ Eigeldinger wrote more excellent books about Chopin which unfortunately are still only available in French.



3. I satisfied with this book very much.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3V2VGA1KQTPLV Chopin book review that I bought for my mother...



5. What can be better than taking lessons with Chopin? This book is very objective. The sources were his students' letters and the chapters are very well-organised.
   The higher the level you are in playing piano/music, the more you get.

4 comments about The New Bach Reader.

1. This is a wonderfully well arranged collection of letters, testimonials, court records and other contemporary documents by and relating to Johann Sebastian Bach. The editors have selected items which paint a picture of a man who knew his own worth, (he argues for, and gets, a higher salary than his predecessors in most of his jobs)didn't tolerate fools gladly, and who had exactly the same problems church musicians today face.

   Incidentally, it made me laugh frequently. Some of his testimonials for former students show him damning with faint praise. His argument over who should appoint school prefects leaves you wondering who was lying. And his begging letters to his employers are masterpieces of not-very-obsequious charm.

   A great book to dip in and out of, and a resource every musician should own.




2. A wonderful collection of letters by and articles about Bach, both from his own era and afterwards.

   Some of his letters have even been set to music! Amazon also has available Peter Schickele's [a k a PDQ Bach] "1712 Overture and other Musical Assaults" which includes his parody on Copland's Lincoln Portrait, in which, instead of reciting The Gettysburg Address, he reads 2 of Bach's many letters complaining about his lack of money.

   These are among the best known of Bach's letters, and are a fairly good indication of the general tone of many of his letters.

   In one letter he complains to a relative that the cask of wine he had sent was half empty by the time it arrived, and that he had had to pay so many taxes as it passed through various districts of Germany that receiving it was rather expensive!

   He concludes by saying something like "Please don't send me any more gifts ... I can't afford it!"

   In the second letter, he writes warmly of his very musical family, but also whinges about his pay being less than he expected. He says that he had been promised a certain amount of money per funeral, but unfortunately the winter was so mild very few people died!

   Highly recommended for lovers of Bach.




3. This book is essential for anyone wanting to understand the life and work of J. S. Bach. It provides wonderful insights about the man through his own documents and writings by those who knew and worked with him. He comes across as an amazingly hard working genius with a quick temper and absolute focus.
   
   The book is organized according to the various aspects of Bach's life. We get a portrait of him "in outline" using various anecdotes. Then we get a section about his life from his own writings. The next section contains biographical and genealogical information about Bach and his family. The sections on Bach as viewed by his contemporaries, in Forkel's biography, in the second half of the 18th century, and in the Romantic era are all quite interesting. Given how much Bach has meant to the world (more than in life!), it is not surprising that we cannot understand him without understanding his changing reputation over the past centuries.
   
   This new edition has more than two hundred pages of additional information than the earlier editions and makes the book that much richer an experience.
   
   I repeat, this is a must have and a must read for any lover of music. Why be limited to what other people tell you about this composer when you can find out for yourself from contemporary documents?



4. Though I've only had time to skim through portions of this book, as a Bach descendent, I find it fascinating! The information provided in this book is from actual historical sources, so it not only gives the reader an appreciation for life in Bach's time, but it actually allows one to learn about Bach on a personal level. It reveals often little known facts, such as that Bach kept his own record of his family roots. In fact, I was able to find information about my own direct ancestors in his own words. Fascinating! I've ordered copies for my relatives, as well. I was very pleased with the fact that, though this book was to arrive in "4 to 6 weeks," it arrived in half that time, and in time for the holidays. Great book for a Bach or for a music lover!