The A Z of String Players surveys the lives, careers and recordings of over 300 string players from the past and present. Many great string players who have made recordings are included, from Accardo to Zukerman. The text covers artists from the earliest recording processes to contemporary, cutting-edge technology. In this clear and straight-forward publication, the artists are listed alphabetically, with a summary of their career, notable recordings, biography and critical appraisal of their recorded legacy. In addition, four compact discs present a selection of recordings from 69 artists. This package will appeal to enthusiast and scholar alike as a readable, informed and fascinating work of reference.

Twelve Fantasias - Telemann/Klages for unaccompanied BC Euphonium In the baroque era the distinction between performers and composers was not nearly as clear as it has since become. Telemann was typical of most composers in that he was also a professional performer--at a very high level, in fact--and most performers were far better versed in composition and improvisation than their twentieth-century counterparts. Accepting the invitation implicit in the title, I like to think of Telemann's Fantasias as written-down improvisations by a very quick-witted composer/flutist, able to imply two-part counterpoint (not so far-fetched, when we recall that Bach could improvise at the keyboard in strict four-part counterpoint), and with a variety of surprises in store for the attentive listener. - JK