Ornaments play an enormous role in the music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and ambiguities in their notation (as well as their frequent omission in the score) have left doubt as to how composers intended them to be interpreted. Frederick Neumann, himself a violinist and conductor, questions the validity of the rigid principles applied to their performance. In this controversial work, available for the first time in paperback, he argues that strict constraints are inconsistent with the freedom enjoyed by musicians of the period. The author takes an entirely new look at ornamentation, and particularly that of J. S. Bach. He draws on extensive research in England, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States to show that prevailing interpretations are based on inadequate evidence. These restrictive interpretations have been far-reaching in their effect on style. By questioning them, this work continues to stimulate a reorientation in our understandiing of Baroque and post-Baroque music.

Everything you want to know about embellishing Music of the Baroque Era is taught systematically and well-founded here: from the different "essential ornaments" such as trill, mordent, appoggiatura, slide, etc. up to the free melodic ornaments, cadenzas and improvised grounds. In addition, you will find valuable information, tips, constructive exercises, historical examples and much more. Exclusively you get a live recorded harpsichord-basso continuo accompaniment for all exercises, which supports you harmonically and rhythmically. For pupils, students, amateurs and professional musicians

Extravagant in concept, exuberant in spirit, elaborate in design, Baroque art and architecture flourished in 17th-century Europe. These engravings by a noted French artist perfectly embody the Baroque sensibility through architectural ornaments, decorative motifs, lush florals and foliates, borders, and other striking design elements. 46 illustrations.

Originally published in 1752, this is a new paperback edition of the classic treatise on 18th-century musical thought, performance practice, and style

Listeners, performers, students and teachers will find here the analytical tools they need to understand and interpret musical evidence from the baroque era. Scores for eleven works, many reproduced in facsimile to illustrate the conventions of 17th and 18th century notation, are included for close study. Readers will find new material on continuo playing, as well as extensive treatment of singing and French music. The book is also a concise guide to reference materials in the field of baroque performance practice with extensive annotated bibliographies of modern and baroque sources that guide the reader toward further study. First published by Ashgate (at that time known as Scolar Press) in 1992 and having been out of print for some years, this title is now available as a print on demand title.

This book is for someone who can already play the silver flute to some extent. I hope to show you some of the techniques to engage with the sounds of traditional wooden flute, as well as teach you a few tunes along the way. There are lots of my own tunes included which are particularly suited to the silver flute and a few traditional tunes to help illustrate the techniques."a wealth of information for silver flute players who wish their instrument to sound more like a traditional wooden flute...deeply thought through and gives really useful practical advice. ...It really is an impressive book...both entertaining and really useful." - Living Tradition Magazine"hugely important book...Philippe is a master of those techniques...Irish Music Magazine's John Brophy's comment is quoted in the book; "I've heard nobody else who can make the Boehm flute sound like the true traditional thing, who can mould tone to the tune so nicely, the sheer musicality is exceptionally impressive."...This is an invaluable resource for Silver flute players and is a great teaching aid; it should be in every secondary school music room in the country." - Seán Laffey, IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE"This book serves as an ideal introduction for any Boehm flute players who are interested in exploring the traditional language of Irish Music. One of the most important elements in idiomatic Irish flute playing is the execution of a wide range of ornaments, and they are clearly explaned her and backed up with examples from the repertoire. Barnes stresses the difference between classical ornamentation (which is essentially melodic) and Irish ornamentatin where the focus is on rhythm. He disusses differences in hand position and an appropriate approach to vibrato, and covers techniques such as feathering, cuts, rolls, cranns, bounces and slides. Each technique is clearly explaned in straigntforward language, and there is plenty of repertoire included to help skills develop in each area. Recommended." Carla Rees, British Flute Society Magazine

The fruit of a lifetime's research into baroque performing practice.