JAVS Fall 1995

77

Superstudies for Viola. Mary Cohen. 2 vols. Faber Music, 1993. $6.50. A "collection of nineteen original, imagina tive studies for solo viola for younger players." Also published for violin with the same pieces. Sinfonie Concertante in B-flat Major (vln/vla/pno reduction). Ignaz Pleyel. Bote & Bock/Theodore Presser, 1994, $38.75. Unfortunately, the Preface is in German only. For foreign markets, it would be helpful to include at least English and French transla tions, as is found in European compact discs. Violinists and violists should welcome this composition. Advanced-intermediate to advanced level. Sonata for Solo Viola. Bruce J. Taub. C. F. Peters, 1993, $6.50. Difficult. God Hath Sent Me to Sea for Pearls (vla/ pno). Hayes Biggs. C. F. Peters, 1992, $12. Difficult. Sonatas 1 and 2 (vla/pno). Nikolai Roslawez. Schott, 1993, $19.95 and $25. Works written in 1926 and the 1930s pub lished here for the first time. Blues for Benny (vla/pno). Eduard Piitz. Schott, 1994, $8.95. Jazzy and meant to sound improvisory. "As played at Sight by a Second-Rate Concert Orchestra at the Village Well at 7 o'clock in the Morning is not a parody of Wagner's music, but rather exactly the kind of music-making described in the title. Hinde-mith shows how overtired and unin terested musicians wade through a score with Overture to The Flying Dutchman (str quartet, 1925). Paul Hindemith. Schott, 1991, $35. Trauermusik (vla/orch. score). Gunter Bialas. Barenreiter, 1994, $27.

This set of ten charming little pieces, is intended for ensembles of beginning students, at a very elementary level of accomplishment. The three volumes can be used together, or separately, or in any combination. Many open strings, or very simple finger patterns are employed, and the principal musical interest is rhythmic. The pieces range in length from six teen to thirty-six measures, and are carefully marked for bowings; fingerings are not neces sary. Occasionally a bowing needs to be added to keep a section from ending up-bow, but this is not frequent. Metronome marks are provided, and some pieces give opportunity to use dynamics. They are designed for a com plete ensemble experience, but are certainly within the technical capability of very young or inexperienced players. Names like "Lazy Day Skip," "Goin' Fishin' ," and "Chugging Along" suggest a moderate jazz emphasis, which many of the pieces use. The general harmonic approach is gently dissonant. The style is immediately appealing to youngsters. The players develop a feeling of satisfaction because the tunes sound well and are performance-accessible. "Notes to the Performers" about each piece, are good-natured and engaging, as they give suggestions about the personality of the music and ways to enhance performance. The cost of a minimum set would be $35.85, plus shipping and tax, and that would cover only three stands. To buy these materials for a normal string class would call for a hefty amount of money. Is Oxford accepting the practice of photocopying? This material is beautifully presented, on good paper, with sturdy covers, but the price does seem high. On the other hand, classroom materials of this quality and usefulness are worth a great deal.

-Thomas G. Hall Chapman University