Cello (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) [Paperback]

William Pleeth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001 | Series: Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides

An immensely important series of books, each one on a different instrument or group of instruments within the 'orchestral' family. Yehudi Menuhin was the general editor of the series originally launched in the 1970s. Every contribution is by an acknowledged master of his chosen instrument. The series is aimed at music students of all ages, amateur musicians, music teachers and all readers actively committed to music. It is the unique merit of the series that each book represents the individual view of its author (within an accepted framework) and, since each contributor is a musician of outstanding talent as well as an expert in his or her particular field, this approach gives the music guides their character and validity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kahn & Averill Publishers (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1871082382
• ISBN-13: 978-1871082388
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #478,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for parents and student alike!, February 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Cello (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) (Paperback)

The string instruments were always a great mystery to me, so when my four year old started cello, I found this book a welcomed resource. Bill Pleeth, the pricipal author, is a world-famous instructor in London. His writing style takes you right into his studio and answers many, many questions about technique and, most of all, how to explore the versatility of this wonderful instrument. He will help parents who are helping their kids practice to practice with wonderment. And while the practicing will always be hard work, Pleeth makes it worthwhile. He helps take the student--even the youngest beginner--out of the set hand and first position to explore the instrument in its entirety. Worth the investment and time. A great read (and I tell you this as a professional book editor) and inspiring. So much so, I started cello lessons myself! Keep in mind that this is NOT an instruction book on playing the cello. It is, however, a priceless conversation with a master.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, December 13, 2000

By 

Troy White (Clinton, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cello (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) (Paperback)

This is a great book for any cellist. Such detail is given to the subject that anyone from a beginner to a pro will find insights that will enhance their playing. Not only that, but it is well-written and enjoyable to read. It covers cello philosophy, technique, history, and repertoire. Every teacher and student should own this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of wonderful insights from a lifetime of teaching, August 26, 2006

By 

Stephen D. Kahn (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cello (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) (Paperback)

I have found this to be the most important book about the philosophy of playing that I've encountered. Pleeth's teaching is all about relaxation in playing, and in this book he lays out the basis of a relaxed mindset. This doesn't begin with technique. It has to do with one's approach to the instrument, one's attitude about the listener, and even one's conception of what music is for...which is then applied to all the various specific technical issues one encounters with the cello.

The reviewer of 10/29/03 has unfortunately missed the point of this book...this is not a how-to book for beginners or intermediates. This book will be most useful to the player who already has a strong grasp of technique. Pleeth shows how he worked with such players and helped them to let go of left-brain ideas about playing (straining, taking a superior attitude to audiences and colleagues, etc.) and find greater freedom. For the player who is ready, Pleeth offers not just a compelling philosophy, but concrete ideas.