Musicals Books

Lets not beat around the bush's, this book is tough. This is like looking into Jimi's bag of tricks and you will be tested!!! All in all the one books that blues guitarist who love Jimi have to spend some time with, ok a lot of time with but.....you will get something out of it.

In my opinion, the best collection of Jimi's songs. This tablature is top notch, and should take you a while to get through even one song. :)

Jimi Hendrix's guitar style is established based on a dozen of preceding blues masters such as Muddy Waters. "Blues" shows Jimi's rendition of the blues standards performed by the masters. Learning this transcription carefully is the shortest way to master the techniques and licks used by the blues masters. "Radio One" and "Woodstock" transcriptions are also essential for blues guitar students.

This is Jimi's quintessential blues album, with covers of great standards and true-to-form originals. His rendition of 'Born Under a Bad Sign' is quite satisfying, with its string scratching, chordal rolls, and tasty wah-wah treatment.

Then there's the climactic highlight of 'Here My Train A Comin' (electric)' from his 5/70 Berkley concert - a performance thought by many, to be Jimi's most comprehensive expoundment upon the genre; and I would concur.

'Red House' is a great jam and not too difficult to get under the fingers. The key to learning other player's stuff, is to listen very closely to identify the elements and structure, then seek to apply them to your own voice.

This book would be a good place for even a beginner to learn the blues. Because after all, the blues isn't complicated. And Jimi's masterful expression of it didn't come from a place of technical prowess, but rather from a place of deep-rooted and heart-felt meaning.

I purchased this for one of my piano students. He plays one or 2 a week for his lessons because he loves them so much.

this product is a great convenience. It compiles all of Joplins rags in an easy-to-read format with authentic tips for playing each individual piece. It is definitely worth every penny; it's a great addition to any collection. Another interesting thing that this edition includes is the date that the piece was composed. If you want to find some awesome, fun music to play, you can never go wrong with Joplin.

These are the real McCoy, right down to Joplin's own tempo recommendations (the famous "Not too fast" adornes the Peacherine Rag, as in the original). If you want to tackle the master's own works, this is the place to go. Schirmer does a fine job in cataloging these masterpieces, and these are re-engravings of the original scores--crisp, clear and easy to read. This book also contains Joplin's syncopation exercises, helpful in understanding his work.

This is the greatest book I've ever seen on Joplin pieces. These are not for beginners!

I'm just checking, in the top-left corner of the image for this book, it says "Intermediate Duet" and in the top-right it says "4 hands - 1 piano". Is this a/the duet book, or is that a faulty image?

The Quentin Blake illustrations are cool. The lyrics are very readable. (Quentin Blake illustrated many Roald Dahl books) A 4 year old friend of mine loves this book and sings along with it.

Joseph is one of the greatest musicals I have ever seen. As a 14-year-old participant in this production, I strongly recomend this music to anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber. This is a great collection of ballads and up-beats.

Joseph is one of many brothers. He is his dad's favorite so the brothers don't like him much. Joseph is given a colorful coat by his dad wich gets the brothers very mad. They sell him into slavery. Potiphar is a rich man in Egypt and he buys Joseph. Joseph gets thrown into jail because Patiphar's wife is flirting with him. He becomes well known because he can interpert dreams. Will he get out of jail?

The book I remember when I was young. Many great pieces, the book is in excellent condition and was mailed to me very, very quickly. I had the best experience on Amazon yet. Thank you.

A friend of ours from Germany visited for 3 weeks this summer and brought this book. He only has an electric piano so he was excited to play it on a regular piano. The music was so good that I had to get a copy! It is one purchase I don't regret!

I believe this to be the best piano book ever published for easy to intermediate piano. Denes Agay (now dead) is a trusted name for authentic and easy-to-read transcription. The song selection includes the best pieces, including Bach's Minuet in G, Beethoven's Fur Elise, and so many other great songs. The songs range from somewhat easy to intermediate, and the techniques needed vary, so you can use this book for many lessons. I cannot emphasize enough how great of a collection this is.

For years my two daughters have played songs from this book for lesson, tests, and enjoyment. Our copy is so worn out, and yet they keep going back to it again and again. We have saved much money with this one large collection. This book is worth the money several times over. Highest recommendation. Must have.

This book is well edited and fun. It provides enjoyment and has great songs. These include Claire De Lune by Claude Debussy; Rustle of Spring by Christian Sinding; Fur Elise by Ludwig von Beethoven; Prelude in C major by Johann Sebastian Bach and many other great classics. It is apperently well thought out and concise. But what did you expect, it is after all by the great Dr. Denes Agay!

This book is a good introduction to slack key guitar, instruction booklet and cd work very well together. The music is pretty and refreshing and would enhance any guitarist's repertoire.

What a great intro to slack key from Keola Beamer. The material presented herein should not present any problems for a lower intermediate fingerstylist. Anyone who has played county blues or other fingerstyle arrangements will be able to work through these tunes without much trouble. However, at some point during the lessson it just might dawn upon you just what great music this is! While the essence of slack key is the tuning and the style of play, in the end it's the beautiful music that is the reward. The notation and tablature is accurate and beautifully rendered and the tune selection showcases several popular tunings for modern Hawaiian slack key music. Add Beamer's DVD "The Art of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Homespun Tapes) and you'll be well on your way to the Aloha spirit.

This is a great book, easy to follow- especially when you pair it along with the CD. Mr. Beamer takes his time and breaks apart each song so that you can actually learn how to play in his style.

He gives you seven beautiful songs and plays them all in such an enjoyable way that you are inspired to emulate him through your playing. I am only a beginnner, but I feel fairly confident that this book will get me to where I want to be because of his wonderful teaching style. I ♥ it!

He gives you 3 different tunings, and the music he chose is conjures up fun and emotion. If I could rate this more stars, I would. Excellent book, I highly recommend this one over any other. Trust me, I bought the other one and it doesn't even come close to this- Keola Beamer's is the best.

That would describe this book and CD. Mr. Beamer gets right to the point in this one as he talks through the tuning of each song (seven in all!) and then breaks the songs into easy to digest pieces. The presentation of the tab and CD gives you the one to one instruction feeling, like you are jamming with an old friend! if you are wondering at what slack key style is run and get this book! It is a beautiful introduction to the art form taught by one of the masters. there is not much theory that is talked about, just getting to play and feeling the aloha.

A very good referance book for those interested in vintage synths. Has good overview's and statisics on many of the classics. Not as indepth as Vintage Synthesizers by Mark Vail and features some questionable "Top 100" synthesizer choices (Roland MT-32 but not Jupiter-6??). However, most Top 100 entries feature photos of instruments (although many are overly cropped), but if you're into vintage synths then it's a must read. I enjoyed it. Plus if you keep it in the bathroom, each synth overview will cover a sitting, allowing it to be enjoyed for a full 100 sittings! - And that doesn't count the synth manufacturer profiles and extensive buyer's guide index.

There is no other way to get all this information on vintage synths in one lifetime. Yeah, I kept mine in the bathroom at first, but now its next to the computer so I can check the minimal synth descriptions at the Ebay and Amazon auctions. Most recently, it convinced me to buy the Oberheim Matrix 1000, new in the box, a great synth. If you want data (and some knowledgeable opinions) rather than photos and memoirs, this is the book. (It does have some photos, small but informative.)

Keyfax Omnibus is a must have item for electronic musicians looking for those increasingly hard to find bargains in the world of used synthesizers.

Each review has pertinant information like how many units of a particular instrument were sold, what the asking price was when the item was originally sold and what it was when this edition was compiled (1996 prices). Of course there have been fluctuations, but the guide prices are all pretty valid.

This has reviews and many pictures for just about anything that you'll find, so it may save some money in the long run, and help to identify bargains. Julian has a hot 100 which most people will agree with. Strongly recommended.

An excellent reference-work, this sets out to give details on every synth ever made from 1968 until 1996, with a big directory at the back of the book, and lengthy reviews of 100 of the most interesting at the front. Rather than being simply a collection of reviews from the other, hard-to-find Keyfax book, the whole book has been written from scratch. Julian Colbeck has a knack for writing that is informative and friendly without appearing smug, and the constant references to hopelessly untrendy bands that he has worked with add to the charm. His selection of 100 great synths covers the obvious bases and includes plenty of bizarre, interesting things that you have probably never heard of - the Gleeman Pentaphonic and the Octave-Plateau Voyetra Eight are new to me. Omissions are a matter of taste, but it seems odd to have both the Jupiter 8 and MKS-80 in separate entries, and it would have been nice to see the JX-10 as well. There is single black-and-white photograph for each synth (oddly, the one for the Kurzweil 250 seems to focus on the back of the machine), and a few interesting images in the directory. Given that the synth market has thrown up some interesting things in the last four years, here's hoping that there's an updated reprint in the wings, hopefully with a CD of old synth sounds attached to the front.

See my review under "Die Zauberflote"

I bought this book and CD set a few years ago to learn the opera LA BOHEME. The beautifully illustrated book includes a history of the opera and of Puccini's career, a clearly printed libretto in Italian and English, and information on the conductor and the principal singers. The recording is a fine one, dominated by the partnership of Nicolai Gedda and Mirella Freni as Rodolfo and Mimi. Gedda has a firm, pure tenor and a delightful sense of humor too often missing from portrayals of Rodolfo. I also like his sad sigh in the last act just before Mimi dies: it's a refreshing change from the outright weeping usually heard at this point in the opera. Freni lights up the performance with her luminous, youthful lyric soprano. The supporting cast are all-Italian and make a good team, and Maestro Thomas Schippers paces the opera nicely. This book and CD set is a wonderful bargain for anyone wanting to learn LA BOHEME. Check out the other Black Dog Opera Library sets, too.

Looking for a good, moderately priced recording of "Boheme"? This is it. Schipper's conducts a delightfully theatrical performance. The young Freni is ideal: fresh and touching as Mimi should be. Gedda has a lighter, more youthful sound than Pavarotti or Bjoerling, and makes an excellent match for Freni. Good stereo sound. Excellent supporting cast: Sereni a charming, youthful Marcello. Other sets have great casts and great conductors (and you may want to augment your collection with Beecham's classic recording and Kleiber's live La Scala performance, but this one is a perfect introductory "Boheme", with its user-friendly book and libretto. Beautiful.

Having found opera intimidating I was looking for something to help me understand and appreciate the genre. This book exceeded all expectations. I intend to acquire the entire series.

For anyone who has an interest in the musical play Lady in the Dark, this book is a Bible of knowledge for the reader! McClung misses nothing and dissects the score, production, development and every nuance present in making a full diagnosis of this exceptional musical piece. The introduction, most notably, is one of the most impressive points, where McClung recreates scene-by-scene Opening Night of Lady in the Dark at the Alvin Theater (now the Neil Simon Theater) back in 1941. His insights and deep understanding of the plot, music and structure opens doors to how (and how not!) to update this piece for the current Broadway stage, which hopefully, this book will be the first step in the process. He also paints a lasting picture of one of the stage's most talented actresses, Gertrude Lawrence through interviews with the remaining living cast members of the original production and other sources.

In a personal review point, I thank McClung for writing this book, as Lady in the Dark has been a favorite show of mine for many years and I have always wanted to know more about it but the resources were scarce. With this book, almost every resource is there, and nearly every question answered. And even for those who don't know Lady in the Dark, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, and this book makes a precedent of how great musicals should be dissertated and studied.

A stellar piece of writing, a must read for anyone interested in the stage or musical theater history.

I think that this is the most complete discussion of a musical show that I have ever seen. 'Lady in the Dark' is certainly worthy of study. It was a musical that broke new ground in theatre.

Mr. McClung begins with the first concept sketches for staging and costumes. From there it's on to discussion of the first drafts of the play, production scripts, and more on to final drawings for for the sets. With a cast of 101, it was a huge production with what was for then a sky high budget.

When it opened it broke new ground in that the leading lady (played by Gertrude Lawrence) is going through psychoanalysis.

Since its closure all three of the shows originators have died (Moss Hart, Ira Gershwin, Kurt Wheill). Their indivitual estates have rights to their particular parts of the play. It would be a major undertaking to put together such disparate people to revive the show. It hasn't happened yet. Perhaps this book will spark enough interest that a revival becomes possible.

Having no prior knowledge of "Lady in the Dark", I found this book to be incredibly well-written and informative. I have never read a biography of a show before, and it's a fascinating way to not only re-live the experience of 60 years ago, but to also learn the backstory of the show, its actors and creators, and the widespread effect of this ground-breaking musical on Broadway and society in general.

In one of my favorite chapters, Bruce McClung goes into incredible detail on the musical score, showing how virtually every note had a distinct purpose and was conceived to be an integral and vital part of the performance. Since this musical was written in a style completely different than those of its era, Bruce shows clearly that it wasn't just a coincidence that it worked so well; it was conceived to be vastly original. The other chapters of his book are just as exhaustively researched, with original photos, interviews and quotes from written and telegram correspondence, copies of the work during the creative process, and even tie-in merchandise.

This book is a truly remarkable look at this show and also how a major work of art can influence society and entertainment. One thing I found really interesting was the contrast between how actors and the entertainment industry responded during WWII, as compared to the actions of today's entertainers and celebrities during the current war.

Another fascinating aspect is that with the normal run of revivals of older shows, "Lady in the Dark" was too 'modern' to its era to be successfully revived without major overhaul. One more interesting contrast between today's society and that of the 1940s.

I hope that this book will generate interest in this show and introduce theatre and musical fans to an influential work, perhaps one that they are not familiar with. It is very well-written and although very detailed, it is presented in a way that kept my interest even in sections that I'm not well-versed on.

I have so far only read half of this book and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is very detailed and the description of the opening night performance is fascinating. Those without a background in music may be a little put-off by how technically it goes into the music (I have a background in music and was still a bit confused). But, so far, so good. A great book for Broadway, Gertrude Lawrence, Kurt Weill, Moss Hart and Ira Gershwin fans, as well as those who want a good look into the puting of a Broadway musical in 1941.

Includes: The Entertainer, Easy Winners, Swipsey, Maple Leaf Rag, Elite Syncopations, Weeping Willow, and more of Joplin. Also contains several cake walks, ... delightful pieces not often heard. This book removed the mystery of ragtime for me, an amature pianist, and I discovered to my great amazement, that, with some effort ... I can play it, even the Maple Leaf!

I am a 14 year old pianist, and I love Ragtime & stride. This is a good collection. It comprises of many Joplin rags, 2 Eubie Blake rags, some James Scott, etc, and some Early Blues. It is one of the biggest ragtime collections available. I am disappointed, however, that some of the later (ie, 1915-25), more advanced ragtime is absent. It really could have used some 'Kitten on the Keys', or 'Cataract Rag' to "break the ice" on what is otherwise a bit of a dull, repetitive folio. What is there is good, but most is basically just the same.

I would instead turn to Dover for some more interesting ragtime folios

What a wonderful collection! I'm an intermediate-level pianist and relative newcomer to ragtime/blues piano. I was looking for a big sample of all these styles, and this is definitely it. Over 300 pages of stuff, in a sturdy book with a spiral binder (a must-have for big piano books!) I've played this book 'til my hands were sore, and there's still lots I haven't gotten to yet!

Contains some of Joplin's good stuff, but that's widely available. What's really neat about this book is the great selection of other ragtimers' best -- James Scott's Grace and Beauty, Great Scott Rag, Eubie Blake's Chevy Chase Rag, some other great pieces I'd never heard of.

Also, classic old-time blues included, such as W.C. Handy's Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues, Ballin' The Jack, Tiger Rag, etc.

Also, some wonderful pieces called Cake Walks; kinda like ragtime but slower. Really lovely stuff!

The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues by Amy Appleby and Peter Pickow is Outstanding.

As a New York school music educator, this is the best and most complete musical tribute of this era that I have seen. It deserves 10 stars and will definitely be a fantastic addition to add to your home music library. I highly recommend it for the more advanced piano student since ragtime and blues can often be a bit challenging to play.

The book has a beautiful introduction, table of contents (grouped by composer) and index. I like the fact that the name is printed on the edge of the white plastic binding, making it easy to find on a book shelf. All of the Amsco books in the library series that I own are attractively the same height. Each and every "rag" in this book is not only fun and exciting to play but appears to be easy on the eyes due to the fact that it is printed clearly on heavy, white bond paper.

My favorite ragtime composer is Scott Joplin. To my delight, there are 22 of his original compositions in this book. I began playing my favorite of all ragtime pieces, "The Maple Leaf Rag" the minute I received this book as a gift. It was the best gift ever! I didn't even know that Scott Joplin wrote a "Wall Street Rag." I liked the annotations over the different sections of this piece, such as "brokers feeling melancholy" or "good times have come."

I would be remiss if I didn't mention some of the other 40 composers in this book such as James Scott, W.C. Handy, Joseph Lamb, Scott Hayden, Irving Berlin, Tom Turpin and Eubie Blake, etc. There is also a whole section on Ragtime songs, such as Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band" along with cakewalks, classic rags, blues rags and folk rags. I have hours of enjoyment ahead of me.

THIS IS A GOOD BOOK AND I RECOMEND THAT YOU READ IT FOR SENSATIONAL SPIRITUALLY MOTIVATED TIME.

This is a great book for anyone who loves Point of Grace (like me) or Christian Contemperary Music, or a story of four girls keeping their virtue in a world where singers and movie stars alike are losing theirs. The book is divided up into sections. Each of the girls, Heather, Shelley, Denise, and Terry take a chapter and tell about their lives and how they got into music, etc... and the rest is kind of question and answer sections where they address topics like friends, family, dating, clothes, etc... It is a very inspiring book, besides being great fun to read. I rate it a 10!

I loved the book when I checked it out at our library. It had some good information about the girls and you felt you knew them better.

THIS BOOK IS A GREAT BOOK TO READ. IT HAS STORIES ON LIFE, LOVE AND OTHER MYSTERIES THAT EVERY ONE GOES THROUGH AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO FEELS THAT THEY ARE OUT IN THE WORLD ALL BY THEIRSELVES AND THOSE WHO THINK THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS PROBLEMS LIKE YOU TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS YOU BUT JUST LIKE YOU THEY ARE JUST AFRAID TO TELL ANYONE ELSE ABOUT THEM. THIS BOOK CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO KEEP GOING. JUST LIKE POINT OF GRACE SAID IN THEIR FIRST ALBUM CALLED POINT OF GRACE IN THE TOP SONG "WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'VE LOST IT ALL AND YOU HAVEN'T GOT A PRAYER; JESUS WILL STILL BE THERE.