The format for this book is very well laid out. It contains important selections from the standard string and orchestral repertoire and a series of scales and studies that precede each excerpt. The pieces set in various keys may be played individually, in a string orchestra, chamber ensemble or in any combination of violin 1, violin 2, cello and string bass. The book is printed in score form.
The book is divided into sections based on Key-starting with the most familiar keys (C,G, D, A and then moving on flat keys and minor keys). The scale patterns and studies are helpful to players in learning the rhythms, technique, bowings, and patterns necessary for playing the excerpt correctly.
The author divides the scales and exercises into playable sizes, and once the students have mastered these workable excerpts, they can easily move onto the entire orchestral passage.
The choice of repertoire is excellent. This 115-page book contains very playable exercises from twenty-six well-known musical compositions written by the master composers. The excerpts range from the baroque (Bach and Vivaldi) to the early twentieth century (Ravel and Britten).
In a separate section, the author offers detailed suggestions for bowing techniques, placement of the bow and bow weight as well as slurs, style markings and bow markings. These suggestions are given for each excerpt. There are helpful definitions given for a variety of bowing terms that will be needed as one progresses through the excerpts.
This is a great source of study for all string players. These excerpts can be used with your string orchestra and can be used during solo practice.
Vince Corozine Music , Author of "Arranging Music for the Real World" by Mel Bay Publications
Web: www.vincecorozine.com e-mail: vince@vincecorozine.com (845) 208-3381 10 Veschi Lane North Mahopac, NY 10541
