Play the Viol The Complete Guide to Playing the Treble, Tenor, and Bass Viol

by Crum, Alison; Jackson, Sonia

• ISBN13: 9780198163114
• ISBN10: 0198163118
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1992-06-04
• Publisher: Clarendon Press

Summary

The viol has become increasingly popular in recent years as an instrument for the amateur with an interest in early music. With this rise in popularity has grown the need for a tutor which gives detailed advice on playing technique and which is aware of the specific requirements of the adultbeginner. Play the Viol, written to meet exactly this need, is the first comprehensive guide to appear in modern times and covers the treble, tenor, and bass viol. Its detailed technical instruction is based on original sources and on Alison Crum's extensive experience of performing and teaching. The bookassumes no knowledge beyond an ability to read music, but aims to help players to reach an advanced standard, even without regular access to a teacher. Each point is fully illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and carefully graded musical exercises. The book surveys the viol repertoire, discussingthe many different styles of music. It highlights problems likely to be encountered and shows how they can be overcome. Advice is given on practising, improvising, consort-playing, and performing. A unique feature of the book is the inclusion of practical information on choosing and caring for violsand bows, and a wide-ranging list of published music for viol.

Author Biography

Alison Crum is a highly respected viol teacher of world renown who performs both as a soloist and with Britain's leading early music groups. She has made numerous recordings and is frequently to be heard on radio and television. She is Professor of Viol at Trinity College of Music, London. Sonia Jackson is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol and an experienced amateur viol player.

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables	p. ix
List of Exercises	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
Mainly for Beginners
Preparations	p. 5
Bowing	p. 12
The Left Hand	p. 18
First Pieces	p. 26
Revision Checklist	p. 42
Improving Your Technique
Good Tuning	p. 44
Making a Beautiful Sound	p. 46
More about Bowing	p. 48
More Difficult Fingerings	p. 66
Notation	p. 76
Different Bow Holds	p. 80
Exploring the Viol Repertoire
Varieties of Music for the Viol	p. 82
Consort Music	p. 82
Continuo Playing	p. 93
Divisions and Duets	p. 97
Lyra Viol	p. 107
Sonatas, Arias, and Chamber Music	p. 112
French Suites	p. 121
Practising, Ensemble Playing, and Performing
How to Practise	p. 129
Playing in Ensembles and Consorts	p. 134
Performing	p. 137
Viols And Bows
Buying a Viol	p. 139
Viol Maintenance and Adjustment	p. 144
Bows	p. 150
Appendices
Tuning	p. 155
Useful Addresses (UK and USA)	p. 165
Published Music for the Viol	p. 166
Bibliography	p. 175
Discography	p. 177
Index	p. 181
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