Complete Irish Fiddle Player Book CD Set

Product Number: 95406BCD 
ISBN: 0786665572 
Publisher: Mel Bay Pub., Inc. 
Difficulty Level: Multiple Levels 
Format: Book/2-CD Set

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. 

CONTENTS

This exceptionally well-conceived and executed book contains extensive performance notes, historical essays sprinkled with Irish literary quotations, notes on regional and personal playing styles, photos of the major Irish fiddlers and musical groups incorporating the fiddle, plus a wealth of Irish fiddle tunes. All 79 jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes, reels, polkas, mazurkas, highlands, marches, waltzes and airs are recorded on the two CD "Learning Discs" exactly as written in the book. Chords for guitar accompaniment are provided. The author thoughtfully includes a list of useful addresses and a "Recommended Listening" list of audio recordings. 157 pp.

Titles Include: The Irish Washerwoman, My Darling Asleep, Harvest Home, Jackie Tar, The Merry Blacksmith, The Banshee, The Britches Full of Stitches, Bill Sullivan's Polka, Tobin's Jig, Old Joe's Jig, Off to California, Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine, The Rights of Man, The Teetotaller's Reel, Sonny Brogan's Mazurka, Lark in the Morning, Paddy Clancy's Jig, Polly Put the Kettle On, Cup of Tea Reel, Morning Star, O'Carolan's Draught, The Wounded Hussar, The Heart is True, Toormore, Cullen Slide, Tailor's Twist, Rocky Road to Dublin, The Pipe on the Hob, Star of the County Down, Reel of Mullinavat, Lad O'Beiren's Reel, Jug of Punch, Jenny's Chickens, and many, many more.