Overview

The viol has become increasingly popular in recent years as an instrument for the amateur with an interest in early music. With this rise in popularity has grown the need for a tutor which gives detailed advice on playing technique and which is aware of the specific requirements of the adult beginner. Play the Viol, written to meet exactly this need, is the first comprehensive guide to appear in modern times and covers the treble, tenor, and bass viol. Its detailed technical instruction is based on original sources and on Alison Crum's extensive experience of performing and teaching. The book assumes no knowledge beyond an ability to read music, but aims to help players to reach an advanced standard, even without regular access to a teacher. Each point is fully illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and carefully graded musical exercises. The book surveys the viol repertoire, discussing the many different styles of music. It highlights problems likely to be encountered and shows how they can be overcome. Advice is given on practising, improvising, consort-playing, and performing. A unique feature of the book is the inclusion of practical information on choosing and caring for viols and bows, and a wide-ranging list of published music for viol.

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9780198163114

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Reviews

The book provides the beginner with a complete guide to viol technique, and the experienced player with a wealth of information not available elsewhere. Wieland Kuijken, Brussels Play the Viol's great strength is that it is a genuine and generous handbook ... it is the author's genius for explaining techniques and solving physical problems in terms of the simplest practical logic, without dogmatism or the least penchant for professional mystique, that will give this book its standing and encourage willing-spirited and weak-fleshed tiros like myself to persevere. Stephen Banfield, Musical Times

`This new book on the viol, its technique and possibilities, is exhaustive and informative, methodically arranged, and completed with excellent appendices and figures ... a valuable contribution to our knowledge of viol technique.' Jordi Savall, Barcelona `The book provides the beginner with a complete guide to viol technique, and the experienced player with a wealth of information not available elsewhere.' Wieland Kuijken, Brussels `The recommendations here have an enormous weight of experience behind them.' Early Music News `a genuine and generous handbook' Stephen Banfield, Musical Times `Apart from the lucid technical explanations and examples, the book includes most valuable advice on how best to use whatever time is available for practice, including the tricky matter of learning a new piece.' Ian Harwood, Early Music `Play the Viol's great strength is that it is a genuine and generous handbook ... it is the author's genius for explaining techniques and solving physical problems in terms of the simplest practical logic, without dogmatism or the least penchant for professional mystique, that will give this book its standing and encourage willing-spirited and weak-fleshed tiros like myself to persevere.' Stephen Banfield, Musical Times `Apart from the lucid technical explanations and examples, the book includes most valuable advice on how best to use whatever time is available for practice, including the tricky matter of learning a new piece. The long-felt want is certainly filled.' Ian Harwood, Early Music `Alison Crum is, of course, a well-known ad well-respected viol teacher, whose enthusiasm permeates the whole of her much needed book ... this is a book that I believe should inspire viol players of all levels.' Music and Letters `It is much more than a tutor ... it is a compendium of virtually all the information a relative newcomer to the instrument will need to know. It is written in a straightforward style and contains a wealth of helpful hints for the beginner ... it is so full of good, down-to-earth advice and technical help that every beginner or inexperienced player will find in it a wealth of information. Its cost is, after all, only the equivalent of a couple of lessons!' Ian Graham-Jones, Chelys, The Journal of the Viola da Gamba Society, Volume 19, 1990 ` This kind of information is hard to come by in a succinct form elsewhere. Altogether an excellent book' London College of Music Magazine 'This is an important addition to the teaching repertoire; it is clear, well conceived, and should be used by all who are beginning or have recently begun to play the viol.' Ian Gammie, Chelys, The Journal of the Viola de Gamba Society, Volume 21 - 1992

The book provides the beginner with a complete guide to viol technique, and the experienced player with a wealth of information not available elsewhere. Wieland Kuijken, Brussels Play the Viol's great strength is that it is a genuine and generous handbook ... it is the author's genius for explaining techniques and solving physical problems in terms of the simplest practical logic, without dogmatism or the least penchant for professional mystique, that will give this book its standing and encourage willing-spirited and weak-fleshed tiros like myself to persevere. Stephen Banfield, Musical Times

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