The Recorder From Zero, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

Charles P. Fischer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

The Recorder From Zero, Vol. 2 is a systematic approach for intermediate players on the soprano recorder which takes up where volume 1 left off. This revised, expanded 2nd edition contains 101 carefully graded pieces of original folk, renaissance, and medieval music as well as continuing the introduction to renaissance tonguing and the historical modes. Volume 2 also covers additional fingerings, playing without barlines and using more advanced rhythms. There are a dozen specific exercises for various forms of syncopation and hemiolas, scales, and tuning using difference tones for pure major thirds and perfect fifths.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent and carefully paced introduction to the recorder. -- James Waters, recorder teacher Humboldt State University

Musical sources are a distinguishing feature in the field of recorder methods. -- Maurice Whitney, The American Recorder, 1976

About the Author

Charles Fischer was a professional recorder teacher and performer for many years in Los Angeles. He studied recorder with Marleen Montgomery at the Longy School of Music in Boston and with Walter van Hauwe in Amsterdam. He is currently a member of the American Recorder Society and is on the editorial board of the Recorder Education Journal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 39 pages
• Publisher: Unicorn Music (June 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0915888033
• ISBN-13: 978-0915888030
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,300,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational Tutelage, October 19, 2003

By 

Drina Brooke - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Recorder From Zero, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

As in volume 1, Charles Fischer has compiled beautiful music selected not only for inspirational content, but for step-by-step challenges designed for technical growth. This is one of those books which will inspire as the player learns! As important eartraining for players of Early Music, Greek modes (ancient "scales" passed down via the Medieval church) are introduced, and how to construct them intervallically. Ensuing pieces are identified by mode, to further assist eartraining. Unmeasured duets provide the framework for each player to practice rhythmic independence, and to really feel the flow of phrases. Other duets are measured, and all of them artistically deep. Literature varies from haunting Troubadour melodies to Renaissance Christmas carols (selections that are refreshingly new to America, while known in Germany and other parts of Europe; arranged by Charles Fischer for two recorders), to the plaintively beautiful rounds of Henry Purcell, to the snakily percussive Tourdion and Rotta, to many other wonderful pieces! A wide selection of solos and duets gives opportunity a-plenty for solo or ensemble playing. Only a performer of the recorder, such as Charles Fischer, could come up with this unique and gorgeous selection of music !
--Drina Brooke, author, recorder instructor/performer

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Recorder From Zero is Great Fun, June 26, 2002

By 

"jblazar" (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Recorder From Zero, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

The author has over ten years experience teaching recorder to students of all ages. I read through all the exercises in this book with another player. The upper line is meant to be played by the student, with the lower line played by the teacher or a more advanced player. The book consists of graded units of increasing difficulty.

The exercises use actual Medieval and Renaissance music, as well as English country dances and folk music, with a few original pieces written by Mr. Fischer.

So often, exercises used in method books are repetitive and boring, making them a chore to work through. The music chosen in this book is quite appealing, with a lot of variety. I think this method book would work well for players of all ages, since the music is fun to play, and is carefully chosen to demonstrate a particular point, such as modes, rhythms, syncopation, combination tones, etc.

Mr. Fischer is to be commended for producing a refreshing method book, with an easily readable format and a well-chosen variety of music that demonstrates valuable lessons for the student.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just as good as Vol 1., November 9, 2003

By 

Ohmi "b__2" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Recorder From Zero, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

I have both books - my daughter is the student. The wealth of excellent exercises and non-boring duet material made volume 2 a no-brainer for us. As as said in my volume 1 review: these are the best method books I own.