Product Description
In his preface, the author reminds the reader that this is not a book for the absolute beginner. Even the experienced player may not "get it" on first reading a given tune, but "You can expect to enjoy the process of learning...[and experience] the joy of recreating a traditional tune, of making it your own." This is the teacher/student pact in effect throughout this marvelous book, written for the literary as much as the musical connoisseur. Although no classical violin experience is needed, you will need to know how to hold the fiddle and bow, and be able to play at least simple tunes in the first position. Having the ability to read music will enable you to follow the bowing patterns and left-hand techniques which the author feels are crucial in grasping the playing style. Includes a double CD featuring solo fiddle. The teaching recording plays the first tunes slowly, but by the end, the correct speed is played. This stereo recording contains 77 of the 80 songs from the book.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
About the Author
Born in the country near Stafford, England, Pete Cooper began playing the violin at the age of 9 and went on to study English at Belliol College, Oxford. He began his professional career as a fiddler and singer in 1978, performing in Britain, Europe, and the USA first with Appalachian dulcimer player, Holly Tannen, then with traditional singer, Peta Webb. Since the mid 1980s, Peter has concentrated his musical efforts on the study and teaching of folk fiddle styles. His first solo album, All Around the World (1990), released on his own label, Fiddling From Scratch, featured music from Ireland, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the USA. His 1993 album, The Wounded Hussar, explores the rich diversity of the Irish tradition and includes many of the tunes in this book The Complete Irish Fiddle Player. Pete currently teaches in London and reviews for Musical Traditions and Folk Roots magazines. He has composed music for film and, in addition to solo gigs, performs with a group called Vivando whose 1995 release by the same name includes some of his own compositions.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.