Gypsy Violin

Let me start off by saying that I am not a violinist, but a mandolinist. I really wanted to get into gypsy traditional music, but couldn't find much online, and figured since 50% of the mandolin's repertoire is violin songs, I'd give this book a go. I was very pleasantly surprised. Every single tune Ms. Harbar has included is phenomenal, which is rare even amongst good songbooks. I don't think there is a single piece in this book I don't want to eventually learn. The companion CD is fantastic, and I was again pleasantly surprised by the amount of mandolin on it. As other reviewers have said, the book is practically worth the price for the companion CD alone-- every tune in the book is included, and she does a good job of making them both interesting on their own and helpful to practice with (the instrumentation is much more interesting than I thought it would be-- lots of mandolin, bass, accordion and guitar, in addition to violin). This book also contains many playing tips which will probably be useful to violinists learning the pieces, as well as detailed but easy to understand accompaniment, perfect for guitar, accordion, or guitar and bass together.As for difficulty, which other reviewers have commented on, I would consider this book intermediate-advanced overall (maybe easier for mandolinists than violinists as playing in higher positions is easier with frets), but I think players of many levels could get good use out of the book. There are several easy pieces that I think most players (be it mandolin or violin or another melody instrument) could learn. There are also some very difficult pieces (mostly due to awkward fingering and very high speed). Since so many of the songs contain written harmony lines, I often play with a violinist friend (who I would consider of advanced/ professional ability level), who has said some of the songs are certainly challenging. The chordal accompaniment is not easy for most of the songs, too. Expect a lot of diminished chords, seventh chords, walking bass lines (with slash chords), and quick changes.I would say, overall, that if this type of music interests you that this book is a good buy, even if you think there may be tunes that are too hard for you to learn immediately.

This is a very helpful and fun resource. The CD is a "must listen", well performed and good quality recording - some songs are only played through once for brevity, but very helpful and well executed, some are just nice to listen to. The recording also helps you hear how the crescendos and trills are supposed to sound.I read a review that said the music was too hard for intermediate players. This is not true for every song, there are songs from easy to advanced. It will allow you to progress as you become a better player. Its also a great way to practice playing in the higher positions since the music is exotic enough to make it fun and interesting. There are some 8-12 bar passages with repeated 16ths at high tempos. Most are in a reasonable position and offer an opportunity to stretch yourself.This book would also be good for professional groups who want a "gypsy fake book" just like jazz fake books. You have the melody and chord progressions with notes on form, performance and song history. A group could play a "gypsy" gig with this book.

Too advanced for me as a beginning/intermediate player! Loved her first book and could play along but this follow up book , which I thought would be more of the same, is more, as indicated in the back of the book, played at "performance tempo...for intermediate to advanced" abilities. If you are already at the top of your violin abilities check it out. Otherwise, keep practising until you are.

Exactly as described and expected. I'd probably give it 4 stars; but went to 5 stars because it personally made me so happy to get this book. I'm rather advanced violinist, so the tunes were easy to play. My dad is a professional accordionist, experienced with eastern European music and so reading the chords was easy. There were chords he didn't like and changed as we went along. The CD was a real plus - to be able to listen to and get ideas. All in all a very good purchase.

This music is really fun to play. I am classically trained and just beginning to dabble with fiddling. The recording is very helpful, especially if you are good at mimicing style that you hear. Remember to read the instructions, rather, than jumping right in. For example, the author tells you to loosen the bow more than you would when playing classical. It makes all the difference.I would certainly recommend this book.

I got a deal on this book. 9 bucks. The CD was not included with the book. This book is advanced.

Excellent work and lovely recordings. The music if Roma groups is well explained and presented with artful flare. I loved this book and the audio.

I ordered this book and i got a cheap knock iff copy of it. Pages badly arranged out of order repeated and cover was a cheap copy of it smaller size and white edge all around like if they couldnt even reprint it right

This book will be a challenge to many players; high glissandi, passages in the top range of the violin - quite hard work (I gather - I'm just the accompanist! Even that is hard work - ever-shifting chords...)Having said that, it is enjoyable music, well played on the CD, & covers a range of gypsy music not easy to locate. Quite a lot of violin-specific technical info on bowing style etc, tooMy reservations are mainly visual; the illustrations are (to me) naff & a waste of space - I would sooner have had more tunes. And the front cover.... totally OTT - dress & pose of the worst "gypsy music restaurant" style" But don't let that put you off some excellent music!

Great fun as a teaching aid for all different abilities from post grade 2 up. duet and trio pieces a real bonus and scope for adding other instruments with the chords. Dont let the cover put you off!

Je commente le la version Ebook, qui concerne des morceaux traditionnels.(Attention les versions papier sont différentes et concernent des morceaux classiques !)Il peu y avoir confusion car apparemment c'est le même titre et la même références d'Amazon !Le ebook est clair et bien fait.Partition bien, intro et glossaire explicatif sur la technique Gypsy.Les morceaux mp3 (à télécharger) sont très bien joués dans le styles.Les doigtés de changements de positions (fréquents) sont sur la partition, ce qui aide bien.Excellent rapport Q/P.Indispensable dans ce style.

ジプシー音楽といっても、クラシックの曲ばかりだった。自分で既に持ってる曲ばかりだったので、買わなくてもよかった。