From Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring to Gustav Holst's The Planets and Igor Stravinsky's Le sacre du printemps, Masterworks of 20th-Century Music collects over 100 of the most celebrated and frequently played compositions by world composers. Based on the author's survey of dozens of American orchestras, these are works that we all recognize, but whose history we may not know. Each entry gives the reader a wealth of information about: the composer, when and where the piece was first performed, the "style" of the composition, and a basic analysis of the music. From the general reader to the music scholar, this book will prove a source of valuable information and a constant pleasure.

The composer and pianist Michael Finnissy (b. 1946) is an unmistakeable presence in the British and international new music scene, both for his immeasurable generosity as prolific composer for many different types of musicians, major advocate for the works of others, and performer and conductor who has also been a driving force behind ensembles; he was also President of the International Society for Contemporary Music from 1990 to 1996. His vast and enormously varied output confounds those who seek easy categorisations: once associated strongly with the 'new complexity', Finnissy is equally known as composer regularly engaged with many different folk musics, for working with amateur and community musicians, for a long-term engagement with sacred music, or as an advocate of Anglo-American 'experimental' music. Twenty years ago, a large-scale volume entitled Uncommon Ground: The Music of Michael Finnissy gave the first major overview of the output of any 'complex' composer. This new volume brings a greater plurality of perspectives and critical sensibility to bear upon an output which is almost twice as large as it was when the earlier book was published. A range of leading contributors - musicologists, composers, performers and others - each grapple with particular questions relating to Finnissy's music, often in ways which raise questions relating more widely to new music, and provide theoretical foundations for further of study both of Finnissy and other composers.

First published in 1998, this volume is the first book to focus on the American symphony. Neil Butterworth surveys the development of the symphony in the United States from early European influences in the last century to the present day, and asks why American composers have shown such allegiance to a musical form which their European contemporaries appear to have discarded. An overview of the growth of musical societies in America during the eighteenth century and the establishment of the first professional orchestras during the early part of the nineteenth century is followed by chronological analyses of the works of those composers who have played important parts in the progress of symphony in the United States, from Charles Ives, Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, to contemporary figures such as William Bolcom and John Harbison. Complete with a comprehensive catalogue of symphonies and an extensive discography, this book is an indispensable reference work.

First published in 1999, this biography from David Tunley draws on newly researched documentary evidence to chart Campoli's early success and his later struggle for recognition as a serious artist. Campoli's early success and his later struggle for recognition as a serious artist. Campoli's career emerges as one particularly shaped and directed by the great economic and social forces of the first half of the century, and the story here is as much that of his times, as of his life. Described by Szigeti as 'one of the last great individualists among violinists', Alfredo Campoli was a household name in the field of British light music prior to the Second World War. Having made his debut at the Wigmore Hall in 1923 Campoli toured with Melba and Butt, then turned to light music during the Depression. He became one of Decca's early recording artists and broadcast frequently for the BBC with his light music ensembles and pursued a long, successful career as a distinguished international performer.

(Book). Ibanez is the most important Japanese guitar brand, and this new book tells the story of its electric guitars, tracking the fortunes of this impressive brand. At first the guitars were cheap and basic, and in the 1970s, Ibanez was best known for its copies of leading Gibson instruments, including Les Pauls, SGs, and Explorers. As the Japanese music industry gained maturity and increased quality, Ibanez made more assured instruments with original features; and in the late '70s and early '80s, it hit new peaks of achievement. The big break came in the late '80s with the arrival of Steve Vai's impressive and spectacular JEM signature models. In recent years, the company has continued to provide great modern electric guitars. Ibanez guitarists featured in the book include George Benson, Charlie Burchill (Simple Minds), Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Allan Holdsworth, Pat Metheny, Steve Miller, Joni Mitchell, John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Lee Ritenour, Joe Satriani, John Scofield, Paul Stanley (Kiss), Mick Thompson (Slipknot), Steve Vai, and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead). The book is in the tradition of Tony Bacon's best-selling guitar series, with a carefully researched story, including exclusive interviews with Vai and Satriani, a gallery of full-color pictures of famous guitars and players, and a reference section detailing production years and specifications of all Ibanez's electric models.

Tatjana Goldberg reveals the extent to which gender and socially constructed identity influenced female violinists' 'separate but unequal' status in a great male-dominated virtuoso lineage by focussing on the few that stood out: the American Maud Powell (1867-1920), Australian-born Alma Moodie (1898-1943), and the British Marie Hall (1884-1956). Despite breaking down traditional gender-based patriarchal social and cultural norms, becoming celebrated soloists, and greatly contributing towards violin works and the early recording industry (Powell and Hall), they received little historical recognition. Goldberg provides a more complete picture of their artistic achievements and the impact they had on audiences.

(Keyboard Instruction). Learn to play the piano styles of today's top rock, pop, and jazz artists Here are the melodic and harmonic techniques of 23 iconic performers, including Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. The accompanying CD is designed to allow maximum flexibility when practicing: you can highlight the piano part, the rhythm section, or both according to your needs. A must for players who really want to get inside the styles of their favorite artists.

A continental tour of Europe doesn't go quite as planned! When Stockwell Park Orchestra goes on tour to Europe, it proves a challenge for even the most efficient German logistical planner. A teenage stowaway, brass players falling in canals and a sabotaged timpani van are all in a day's work for Ingrid Bauer of Note Perfect Tours, but even she can't solve all the problems this week throws at her. Maybe a bit of surprise Bach can calm the muddy Brexit waters. She just has to fish out the musicians first. Praise for The Stockwell Park Orchestra Series: "I was charmed... a very enjoyable read." Marian Keyes "Friendly insults between musicians, sacrosanct coffee-and-biscuit breaks, tedious committee meetings: welcome to the world of the amateur orchestra." BBC Music Magazine "...a witty and irreverent musical romp, full of characters I'd love to go for a pint with. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Stockwell Park Orchestra and can't wait for the next book in the series." Claire King, author of The Night Rainbow "Sharp, witty and richly entertaining." Lev Parikian, author of Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear? "With its retro humour bordering on farce, this novel offers an escape into the turbulent (and bonkers) world of the orchestra." Isabel Costello, author of Paris Mon Amour "...a very funny tale of musical shenanigans set in the febrile atmosphere of the Stockwell Park Orchestra" Ian Critchley

This new edition of The Keyed Bugle is an expansion rather than a revision of the first edition. The performance practice discussion has been extended to cater to the needs of the reader who wishes to learn the instrument. All chapters contain new information, and the chapters on Performers, Makers and Sellers have been extensively expanded. An additional chapter offers an explanation of the peculiarly distinct acoustics of keyed bugles and provides an analysis of construction styles employed by particular makers. After closely researching instruments that have been documented by the signatures of specific firms and comparing them with unmarked examples, the author enables readers to make confident observations on the nature of regional and manufacturer's styles. The new research in this area provides the groundwork for informed speculation about the origins of undocumented keyed bugles. This work puts the best of current research on the instrument into book form and provides the collector, performer, and serious music student with a clear picture of the instrument's history, repertoire, and technique.

Instant Harmonica is a totally new way of teaching yourself to play the harmonica in as short a time as possible. Yes, even if you have never played a note of music before in your life, you'll be playing your first songs on the harmonica in a matter of minutes. And what songs you'll be learning to play! We've chosen the best Country, Folk, and Cowboy songs around to insure that Instant Harmonica is not only fast but also a lot of fun!

This book is part of a series on profiles of American composers. It provides the most comprehensive, theoretical analysis of the contents, context and concepts of Anthony Braxton's music.

Becoming an Orchestral Musician takes you on a journey into the musical profession. It is the first comprehensive guide for professional musicians on how to succeed in joining an orchestra or ensemble, and how to survive as an orchestral musician. Such crucial topics as how to obtain the right tuition, music college versus university, auditioning, nerves, the secrets of ensemble playing and intonation, conductors, the mechanics of the orchestra, performing philosophies and strategies for survival are covered in separate sections. The matter of how to explore and adapt one's musical psyche, the pitfalls of a career in music and the highs and lows of performing are also discussed. The history, mythology and science of music-making and numerous anecdotes provide a vivid background. It is essential reading for all orchestral musicians, including players of every instrument, whether at college or university or during their career, whether full-time or part-time, and whether professional or amateur, and also for the parents of budding instrumentalists. There are probably more orchestras and ensembles in the length and the breadth of Britain today than ever before.With the renewed recognition in schools of the importance of music, the competition among younger musicians has become intense. Schools and colleges need to be well informed about career guidance for their students. Richard Davis's book will give the answers to many of the questions those students will be asking. It has been warmly welcomed by his colleagues in the BBC Philharmonic, and by other musicians, too. Twenty of them have been interviewed by him specially for it on their experiences and on advice they would like to give to younger musicians on many different themes. They include principals and rank and file players, soloists, academics, music critics, fixers, chamber musicians and people involved in management.

The first edition of The English Chamber Organ was published in 1968. This new, revised edition takes into account the considerable research into chamber organs that has taken place over the last thirty years. Much of the book has been completely rewritten and expanded, and it includes a number of organs not detailed in the first edition. As its revised title suggests, this new edition covers foreign-make imports as well as British-made organs that were sent overseas. Part one comprises a series of chapters that cover the history of the chamber organ, its origins and development. Part two provides a general introduction to the construction of organs, while part three gives detailed descriptions of 196 British chamber organs, with information on their location, specifications, design, and suggestions for further reading. As a domestic instrument the chamber organ was often perceived to be as much a piece of furniture as an item of musical equipment. The Chamber Organ in Britain offers an assessment of the organ as both a musical instrument and as a decorative icon.

(String). The Wohlfahrt Op. 45 Studies are a mainstay of violin study. Book 1 (50256580) and Book 2 (50256590) are bestsellers in the Schirmer Library. The entire set, Books 1 and 2 combined, is available in this new complete publication, value priced at only $7.95

(Fake Book). This super collection features 366 more well-known songs arranged for ukulele from the 1950s through today, by artists such as Carole King, Elton John, the Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson and others, plus favorites from movies, Broadway, Motown and more Just like the first Daily Ukulele book, all arrangements feature melody, lyrics and ukulele chord grids in uke-friendly keys. A special "Ukulele 101" section, a chord chart, and vintage ukulele-themed photos round out the fun. Tunes include: Ain't No Sunshine * Anticipation * Bubbly * Calendar Girl * Come Monday * Falling Slowly * Hallelujah * I Got You Babe * Lean on Me * Moondance * Route 66 * Sweet Caroline * We Are the World * Y.M.C.A. and scores more The Daily Ukulele: Leap Year Edition offers ukulele fun all year long even on February 29th

(Educational Piano Library). Journey Through the Classics Complete is a convenient compilation of all 98 pieces from Books 1-4 of this popular series. The graded pieces are presented in a progressive order and feature a variety of classical favorites essential to any piano student's educational foundation. The authentic repertoire is ideal for auditions and recitals, and each level includes a handy reference chart with the key, composer, stylistic period, and challenge elements listed for each piece. Quality and value make this volume a perfect classical companion for any method

Fiddle Time Joggers is a landmark book in the popular Fiddle Time series, which is enjoyed by students and teachers all over the world. It contains Kathy and David Blackwell's trademark attractive and engaging compositions that appeal to learners of all ages. This book contains piano accompaniments for Fiddle Time Joggers. Characterful and easy to play, these piano parts provide stylish accompaniments to all of the pieces in the pupil book. Essential for teachers and musical parents, this book will help motivate all young violinists as they learn to play.

All the key chords, in every key, organised as a chord per page, this is a flexible, comprehensive solution for anyone learning or playing the guitar at any level. This no-nonsense, easy to carry, concealed spiral book will fit into a gig bag, flight case or hand bag with the minimum of fuss.

The baryton is a unique string instrument that provides both bowed melody and plucked accompaniment simultaneously. It emerged in the Baroque era as a solo, self-accompanying viol and was later adopted as a virtuoso melodic instrument to enhance the dramatic arias of the day. A History of the Baryton and Its Music: King of Instruments, Instrument of Kings is the only reference available on this intriguing instrument. This presents a detailed history of the baryton, guidance on playing technique, information on its design and manufacture, descriptions and photos of extant instruments, and a repertoire of hitherto unpublished music. Carol A. Gartrell details the origins and development of the baryton through the instruments that have survived, and through a unique collection of music representing different styles and genres. In addition to a bibliography and an index, the book concludes with two galleries containing an extensive inventory: the first provides detailed descriptions of all extant instruments and more than 20 photographs, while the second gallery catalogs extant manuscripts and supplies a representative selection of complete transcriptions, illustrating the range and variety of baryton music and providing musicians with previously unpublished music they could perform. Complete with a selected discography of baryton recordings, A History of the Baryton and Its Music is an interesting and necessary resource for the musicologist, organologist, and performer.

The late 17th century through to the end of the 18th century saw rapid progress in the development of woodwind instruments and the composition of a vast body of music for those instruments. During this period a large amount of music for domestic consumption was written for a growing amateur market, a market which has regrown in the latter part of the 20th century. The last 30 years has also seen the standard of performance by professionals on these instruments rise enormously. This book provides a guide to the history of the four main woodwind instruments of the Baroque, the flute, oboe, recorder and bassoon, and this is complemented by a repertoire list for each instrument. It also guides those interested towards a basic technique for playing these instruments - a certain level of musical literacy is assumed - and it can be used by students, professionals and amateurs. Advice is also given on buying a suitable reproduction instrument from a market where now virtually any Baroque instrument can be obtained as a faithful copy. This is the first book of its kind and has its origins in the wind tutors of the 18th century.