The Irish Fiddle Book: The Art of Traditional Fiddle Playing, Paperback/Matt Cranitch

(Music Sales America). This book explains and shows in detail the various techniques used by fiddle players in creating a traditional style of playing. All the information is presented in the context of the music itself, with numerous transcribed and recorded examples. It is aimed not only at the beginner, but also the fiddle-player (and indeed violinist) with some knowledge and experience who wishes to learn more. For those unable to read music, a chapter on notation is included. Particular emphasis is given to bowing and ornamentation, with individual chapters devoted to jigs, slides, polkas, hornpipes, airs and reels. The book also attempts to convey something of the excitement felt in playing music which has a large degree of improvisation, albeit within certain bounds. The demonstration CD, which features a large selection of the transcribed tunes and ornaments performed by Cranitch, is an invaluable aid to learning as it allows the listener to hear how the music and ornamentation should sound.