Customer Reviews

Mel Bay's Gypsy Violin

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was so excited to see that this book existed. I purchased it and opened it up immediately. I was classically trained years ago and play folk fiddle, Irish fiddle, old-time, etc... currently. Most people think I'm pretty good, but not at all on a classical scale. Those of you classically trained know what I mean. I'd be intermediate level to a classical musician.
Anyway, this book is NOT for beginners or intermediate players. I would say it is for advance/professional violinists. There are extensive passages in very advanced/high positions and the music is extremely fast. If this is what you are looking for then this book is for you. I actually enjoyed Fiddling Around the World by the same author better (and found the pieces easier to learn).

If the sound of a wild Gypsy violin moves your spirit, Mary Ann Harbar's Gypsy Violin, a tunebook and CD set, is a great place to learn the technique.

The book alone is a wonderful resource. It's packed with about four dozen tunes, many harmony lines and variations included. Guitar chords are a must, and Harbar provides them throughout.

Although not bogged down with text, the book provides brief histories of some tunes, as well as tips for performing them. A brief introduction describes the differences between a Gypsy violinist and her classical or folk counterpart, and suggests tips for practicing in this style. There's also a quick reference chart at the end, since the markings on a Gypsy tune differ somewhat from some styles.

While it might be possible to learn Gypsy techniques straight from the book, the companion CD makes the learning process easier. ... While it might be possible to learn Gypsy techniques straight from the book, the companion CD makes the learning process easier.

This is an exciting style of performance, and we could certainly use a few more fiddlers out there who can play with Harbar's skill and spirit. Fortunately, she's willing to teach us how.

My 12 year old son was keen to play some gypsy violin. I play guitar (rather badly - can read chords but not classical scores)
We tried several but this is THE best we found.
We played a third of them so far and every single one is a gem.
When we performed at concert then lots of kids and parents asked us what the book was - they really liked the tunes. There were a couple of really spectacular slides in one of them - some people said later they never heard anything like this.

This is not a beginner's book. After 3-4 easy pieces (grade 4?) the rest are for violin level Grade 5-6 UK - (includes 5th position and higher in places). Saying this my kid was so keen on playing them he just had to learn to play in these positions - and he did - BEFORE his teacher taught him any!
Guitar part is simple (sometimes I simplify it even more when I can't play fast enough) but is very nice - there are few slash chords specified (such as A/C# - A major over C# in base) which make standard wamp (I used all the time) sound much more interesting.
If anyone knows a better gypsy/traditional book I'd really want to know - it is so much fun to play through this one!
zhyzs@hotmail.com

PS.Thanks to the author for this great book!
PS2. And NO - I am NOT the author of his best friend!

I am a classically trained violinist ( Level: Advanced- But NOT Expert ( Heifetz)). Since I have moved to the US, I have been playing Bluegrass, jazz, folk ( Balkan), and persian music on my fiddle. I got "Gypsy Violin" book with it CD in the mail on New Years Eve. It was the best gift that I could get. I haven't been able to put the book and my violin down since then.

I have a little complain about the CD though. I wish the Violin was recorded on one channel only, so I could practice with accompaniment.

Excellent, easy to understand and play. Lots of informstion. Any one who can play this can play any other types of music.

The CD is excellent--very nice to listen to in its own right. The written music is very nicely arranged. I've enjoyed playing some of the songs. Having them on CD is a real help.