In the early seventeenth century, enthusiasm for the violin swept across Europe-this was an instrument capable of bewitching virtuosity, with the power to express emotions in a way only before achieved with the human voice. With this new guide to the Baroque violin, and its close cousin, the Baroque viola, distinguished performer and pedagogue Walter Reiter puts this power into the hands of today's players. Through fifty lessons based on the Reiter's own
highly-renowned course at The Royal Conservatory of the Hague, The Baroque Violin & Viola, Volume I provides a comprehensive exploration of the period's rich and varied repertoire.
Volume I covers the basics of choosing a violin, techniques to produce an ideal sound, and sonatas by Vivaldi and Corelli. Practical exercises are integrated into each lesson, and accompanied by rich video demonstrations on the book's companion website. Brought to life by Reiter's deep insight into key repertoire based on a lifetime of playing and teaching, The Baroque Violin & Viola, Volume I: A Fifty-Lesson Course will enhance performances of professional and amateur musicians
alike.
Industry Reviews
"This 2020 publication in two paperback volumes is a tour de force which covers an amazing amount of Baroque territory. Together, the over 600 pages with illustrations and musical examples, quotes and handy hints covers just about everything you'll want to know." -- Patrice Connelly, AUSTA National Journal Reviews
"This book is exactly what violinists need to find practical and profoundly-researched information about anything concerning Baroque style. It is a book all musicians truly interested in delving into historical performance questions should never let out of their sight" -- Isabelle Faust, violinist
"This is a lot more than a book about how to play the violin. It shows Reiter to be an expert guide in defining a rich cultural context for music-making - and not just violin-playing - and with the potential to shatter dull preconceptions. His practical experience, learning and articulacy combine to enrich and extend our purview of instrumental music extending over five centuries. An excellent and enlightening treasure-trove for all music-lovers." -- Sir John
Eliot Gardiner
"This is an amazing accomplishment, covering all technical, historical and musical aspects of playing as well as how to listen and how to find our inner voice... such a generous gift to Baroque violinists and violists and one that will be hugely appreciated and celebrated! The writing is delightfully methodical and vitally informative, with a constant eye on the sources, humorous and entertaining throughout. A complete joy!" -- Rachel Podger, Visiting Professor
of Baroque violin, Royal Academy of Music London, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Cardiff, Juilliard School of Music New York
"Reiter's timely and immensely usable new oeuvre will certainly be an important tool for Baroque string players and their students as well as a powerful reference for modern violinists and viola players who wish to give eloquence and understanding to the glorious string repertory of the 17th and 18th centuries." -- William Christie