Most of the music in this book comes from editions or manuscripts from England i...(+)
Most of the music in this book comes from editions or manuscripts from England in the late 1500’s. There are also a few French pieces. The cittern was popular in Italy England and France. Aside from various tunings there weretwo main kinds of instruments being played during the 16th and 17th centuries: the 4 course (four sets of doubled strings) and the 6 course cittern with several editions of music to go along with both. The pieces I have chosenfor this book were all written for the 4 course instrument and fall into three main categories: dance music song arrangements and free pieces. The free pieces are basically preludes that explore the melodic range of theinstrument. As the title suggests these pieces can be played very freely and need not have a very strict tempo. The dance pieces are not really meant to be danced to but rather take their form and rhythm from the popular courtdances of the time. These can be played with a wide range of overall tempo but once a tempo is chosen should be strictly adhered to. The song arrangements are settings of popular songs of the time as well as more formal vocalsettings. Care should be taken in making the melody clear and singing. Since the range of the cittern and mandolin are the same John Holenko has kept the melodies intact. Because of the difference in tuning however thevoicing of the harmonies have been changed so as to fit on the mandolin.
This book sets out to teach the reader how to play the mandolin by using inspir...(+)
This book sets out to teach the reader how to play the mandolin by using inspiring music from some of the great musical traditions of the world especially arranged for the instrument. Includes CD!Ideal for the complete beginner there is no need for any previous musical knowledge.Invaluable for the existing player/improver looking for fresh ideas and exciting new tunes. By working through this unique book the reader will gain a sound knowledge of the mandolin plus a large and varied repertoire of traditional music from all over the world.By drawing on the music of countries such as Venezuala Rwanda Holland Trinidad Japan andAustralia as well as the more popular traditions of Ireland and North America this book will produce a more well-rounded mandolin player - a musician who will be inspired to look further into the exciting musical traditions of the world. Rather than being an exhaustive guide to all traditional styles of the world this book is a mandolin method which uses tunes from around the world to demonstrate the various techniques required to produce a competent musician. It is the sincere hope of the author that the student will be inspired by the music contained in this book and recording to look more deeply into styles of particular interest.
