Oxford University Press
Violin tutor
Level: moderately difficult
Publication date: 7 August 2008
Price: £13.95

ISBN: 10: 0-19-335584-1
13: 978-0-19-335584-2

Ilana Cravitz has released a new book exploring traditional klezmer music. It’s a teaching guide, accompanied by a CD, and helps the student delve into the style of klezmer playing. Seckund and bass parts pull out for handy playing with friends. Cravitz explains bowing techniques, includes a brief history of klezmer, and the modes of each piece. Each of the sixteen tunes has a listening track to help learn performance technique. She also gives suggestions for effective variations and interpretations from the written score. In the appendix is a helpful chart explaining the dance style that goes with the various tunes, a Yiddish glossary and pronunciation guide, a bibliography and a discography. She also gives helpful suggestions about arranging melodies in sets, or groups of tunes that will work well together without a break. This book can be offered by teachers or be used as a self-study for learning klezmer music. This item, published by the music division of Oxford University Press, has a very nice clear and readable print style. The tune selections consist of the currently played repertoire and are intended for intermediate to advanced players who already have a fairly good mastery of general violin technique. This score and CD set is recommended for home use as well as for purchase by college music libraries. The item can be purchased throught the Oxford University Press website. http://www.oup.co.uk/