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Music Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Music
Sound And Vision: 60 Years Of Motion Picture Soundtracks
Published in Paperback by Diane Pub Co (2000-03)
Author: Jon Burlingame
List price: $19.00
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Used price: $127.04

Average review score:

older than i thought
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-15
I wish a bit more info had been given on the site, but it was in pretty good condition considering it was 10 years old

A Wonderful Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-24
This is a wonderful book. It's lovingly researched and was obviously put together by someone who cares about film music. It's recommended for reference and pleasure alike. Plus, the book has the courage to discriminate---we don't waste our time reading about plagiarists,..... who are not included at all.

A love of film music and its composers
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-03
Although clearly a labour of love by the author, this is also an entirely professionally written and produced book. Perhaps wisely, it doesn't set out to be a comprehensive, definitive guide to film music composers and their recordings - this would have been impractical both in terms of the writing and the eventual weight of the tome! But what Jon Burlingame has done is to include a mini-biography of just about every important film music composer there has been up to the present day, plus a selection of what he considers to be their best works. This provides both an invaluable reference guide not only to composers but also an interesting debating point as to which of their scores should have been included.

It was pleasing to see a large number of photos of the composers and some record sleeve reproductions. Many potential readers will doubtless be familiar with the likes of John Williams, John Barry, Henry Mancini and Elmer Bernstein, but they'll also get the opportunity to see some 'golden age' composers, like Miklos Rozsa, Alfred Newman, Dimitri Tiomkin and Franz Waxman, as well as relatively unsung heroes such as John Scott, Christopher Young and Rachel Portman, and those more associated with classical music, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich.

The author's enthusiasm for the subject is very apparent and no stone has been left unturned in order to ensure this book becomes an essential purchase for all lovers of film music. An excellent effort, which is thoroughly recommended, not just to film music aficionados, but also to anybody with an interest in the cinema.

An exceptional guide by an exceptional writer
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-22
Jon Burlingame is nothing short of a hero to many film composers, because in addition to the astounding depth of his knowledge about composers and their work, he shares a tremendous passion for what they do and effortlessly conveys that to his readers. "Sound and Vision" is an essential book for anyone interested in film music, not only because it contains fascinating information that can't be found anywhere else, but because it's written by a greatly respected and dedicated journalist whose enthusiasm for his subject is unparalleled.

An indispensable, seminal, very highly recommended reference
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-21
In Sound And Vision: 60 Years Of Motion Picture Soundtracks, Jon Burlingame has created an indispensable, seminal, very highly recommended reference guide featuring a detailed history of Hollywood film music on record and compact disc. Also included are up-to-date biographical sketches of soundtrack composers from the inception of the movies down to the present day. Annotated listings of the best-selling, award-winning, or otherwise memorable soundtracks of the past and present (original film scores as well as movie musicals and song-compilation scores) further enhance this marvelous compendium. Of special note is the "user friendly" and comprehensive index so that the reader can quickly reference whether a particular piece of movie music is commercially available.

Music
The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and The Source Family
Published in Paperback by Process (2007-10)
Authors: Isis Aquarian and Electricity Aquarian
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Average review score:

the BEST book on a commune ever!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10
I have collected a large number of books on communes and hands down, this book is the most interesting, the most informative and the most open story about the experiences The Source group has had. If you're only going to buy one book to learn about life in a cooperative and collaborative society, BUY THIS ONE. You will learn more from this book than you can in most conversations with people who have "been there." That the group designated a historian to annotate their experiences solidifies an authenticity of experience you won't find outside of the other commune book experiences. A terrific read.

A breath of fresh air
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-05
Oh how good it is to have a refreshing, honest reflection of a time when pushing the limits, opening the senses and growing past traditional norms was a way of life. This book presents beautiful photographs and true accounts of a unique period of our history.

Beyond judgements and discussions of this "family" being a cult, are woven in truths which have become mainstream in our society today. Father, Jim Baker was a revolutionary, visionary, luminary who opened the door for healthy living.

Thank you so much for creating this body of work. It just goes to show that The Secret and those who we look to today for enlightment have roots in a time which was not as receptive as we are today. It is truly an amazing reflection and a breath of fresh air.

Amazing
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This book is most amazing. It has opened up a belief in me that there is some light on this planet that has been in the hands of darkness and the grip of greed by those who have the power. This group made a difference and I hope they keep going. The writing was supurb and the story timeless.

A Great Saga...
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-05
This book was fascinating. I couldn't put it down and when it was finished I wanted more. There was lots of great information and stories of a bygone era...a magical time in history, a magical time in Los Angeles, and a magical time in the lives of those who lived being part of The Source Family. The pictures of a that era and the family were great...definitely recommended for anyone interested in spirituality, group living, and that unique time of the early 70's.

What a trip!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-04
I truly enjoyed this book...fascinating! What a journey the Source Family took through those years! What is interesting is that they were a very clean tribe and financially successful....compared to so many "dirty hippies" of that day and age. The photos are gems of a by-gone era. A real insight into commune life.

Music
Spice Girls!--And Then There Were Four
Published in Hardcover by Friedman/Fairfax Publishers (1998)
Author: M. Ellen Milnes
List price:
Used price: $0.34
Collectible price: $23.00

Average review score:

THIS BOOK WAS BRILLIANT!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-24
I AM A HUGE SPICE GIRLS FAN ( I HAVE ABOUT 340 PICS IN MY ROOM!!!!) AND I HAVE TONS OF MERCHENDICE! THIS BOOK WAS GREAT READING AND WAS FULL OF BEAUTIFUL PICS, ESPECIALLY OF VICTORIA, WHO IS MY FAVE!!! READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!!

da bomb!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-22
this book is the bomb.i think it is the best spice girls book i own.so if anyone plans to get a spice girl book they should pick this one.i especially like the geri and emma chapters because ther my favorite.

this book rocks
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-08
this book is filled with pics. it has a seprate chapter for each girl. even geri.

It's the best Spice Girls book yet!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-06
I thought this Spice Girl book was great! Mainly because it has an individual chapter of each Spice, including Geri. Emma is my favorie Spice Girl and there was some interesting information about her. I strongly suggest to get this book and out of all of my Spice Girl books this one is the best!!

over all the Book was very interesting. It gives the facts!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-26
I thought that the book was absolutly magnificent it tells about each one of the girls in a chapter and it tell the truth about why Geri left. It has quotes from the spice girls themselves. I think that if you love the spice girls yoou'll love this book.

Music
Spirit-Led Preaching: The Holy Spirit's Role in Sermon Preparation And Delivery
Published in Paperback by B&H Publishing Group (2007-02)
Author: Greg Heisler
List price: $17.99
New price: $10.88
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Average review score:

Spirit-Led preaching-the way to go!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-19
This is a great book. After reading the book and becoming more aware of the Holy Spirit, God started using my preaching to really connect with my audience. In the book Dr. Heisler shows how the preacher needs to take the text and let the Holy Spirit speak through it as well as let the Holy Spirit reveal how he should speak to the audience. The pastor also needs to teach his auidence (congreagation) how to be sensitive to the Spirit as well. Since reading the book we have had a greater response at the Invitation. The Spirit is moving the people. I highly recommend this book to all pastors.

A much needed resource for pastors
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-03
I have been blessed to read this book. Dr. Heisler has very effectively shown the need for dependence on the Spirit of God throughout the entire preaching process. This means from preparation through delivery. By allowing the Holy Spirit to illumine the heart of the preacher with the Word of God, he can trust that God will speak through His Word. This book is a great reminder to all preachers that it is all about Jesus. "You cannot make much of Jesus and much of yourself at the same time." (86) Preachers must rely on the Spirit of God to change hearts. I believe that every pastor who reads this book and takes to heart its teaching will see a transformation in his preparation and his preaching for the glory of God.

Spirit-Led Preaching review by Keith D. Church, Ph.D.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-10
In Spirit-Led Preaching Heisler has provided readers with a concise yet informative look into the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian preaching. Writing from a mainstream Baptist perspective with a leaning towards a Reformed theology of Word/Spirit, this book tackles the tough questions most other preaching books leave unattended. Heisler retains the strengths of solid biblical preaching and challenges his readers to not only be unafraid of God's Spirit, but to passionately pursue the work of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of the preaching task. Where books abound on the mechanics of preaching, this work addresses the more dynamic, less easily defined aspects of Spirit prepared, Spirit empowered, Spirit led preaching. It is from this area, however, that many Christian preachers need a strong word from one who has applied his heart, mind, and life to the subject. This word, Heisler supplies. If you are content with simply crossing the homiletical i's and crossing the hermeneutical t's, then don't read this book. But if you are hungry for a fresh anointing in your calling as a Christian preacher, then devour this book at least once a year, and rejoice in the power of God that still fills the pulpits where the man of God, brings the Word of God, to the people of God, by the Spirit of God, to the glory of God. Pastor Keith, Live Oak Baptist Church

The Fuse that will ignite Dynmite Preaching
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-26
Dr. Heisler has articuated through his own journey the key to moving sermon prepartion and delivery from a mere religious exercise to igniting an encounter with God through God's word and God's messenger. "Spirit-Led Preaching" should not be the second book a person desiring to preach should reach, it must be the first. "Spirit-led Preaching" will lead every preacher to connect with the power of the Holy Spirit in their Homiletics. A Must Read.

Heisler Hits a Home Run!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-21
Dr. Greg Heisler (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY) serves as assistant professor of preaching at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His passion for the nature of preaching is quite clear:

Our students need to see the complementary relationship between the Word and the Spirit and to understand the proper function of sermon mechanics and sermon dynamics for preaching. They need to have as much zeal for the theological realities as they do for the dependence on the Holy Spirit (15).

He states this because the previous generations of homiletics professors and their works only offer a "passing reference to the Spirit" (11). In this volume, Heisler admirably makes the case in how the Holy Spirit must not be an afterthought in sermon preparation and delivery, but he must stand in the forefront in every step of the process of constructing a sermon as well as a holy life.

The preacher will appreciate Heisler's chapter on "What is Spirit-Led Preaching?" He illustrates two differing models of expository preaching: "text-driven preaching" (18) in which the focus is on presenting the biblical text correctly, with the Spirit's role seen as implicit; and "spirit-driven preaching" in which the focus is "on the dynamic of the Spirit and the Spirit's text" with the result being a "Christological witness and Spirit-filled living" (19). He uses a picturesque illustration to drive home this concept:



I imagine the Holy Spirit's power touching down on the tracks of the biblical text, and suddenly the combination of Word and Spirit together ignite into sermonic propulsion. The preacher's
responsibility is not to push the train in his own strength; nor it is the preacher's responsibility to build new tracks to new places. The preacher's responsibility is to keep the train on the tracks (19)!

Preachers would do well to internalize this concept and embrace this powerful picture. Heisler rightly reinforces the complementary relationship between the Scriptures and the Spirit in Chapter Five. Given the problematic theology of the charismatic movement who puts the Spirit and the Word against one another, Heisler gives a strong argument demonstrating the harmony between the two.

Together Word and Spirit form the powerful catalyst that serves as the theological foundation for
Spirit-led preaching. The Word activates the Spirit, and the Spirit authenticates the Word. The Word is the instrument of the Spirit, and the Spirit is the implement of the Word. The Word is the written witness, and the Spirit is the inward witness. In terms of preaching, the Word is the source and substance of our preaching, and the Spirit is the supernatural power of our preaching (62).

He rightly notes how the three testimonies of preaching (Scripture, the Spirit, and the Preacher) come together toward a Christological witness. "The Spirit's ministry is a continuation of Jesus' ministry, as the Spirit stands in place of Jesus until Christ's triumphant return" (57). Heisler is correct when he says that preaching which claims to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led but fails to preach Christ-centered sermons are not Spirit-led sermons.

The strongest chapter in this volume is Chapter Seven where Heisler addresses "The Preacher and the Spirit." Heisler makes a stunning statement that the preacher must absorb:

I believe that the passion and confidence the prophet of God experiences in his preaching ministry are directly proportional to the daily obedience and surrender to the call of God on the preacher's life. . . . It's as if God has subpoenaed us to stand before him, not in a courtroom in front of a jury but in a pulpit in from of his people. We are there by divine calling, and we are there by divine authority (72).

Heisler sounds a clarion call for ministers to incorporate the Spirit into their personal lives before they attempt to incorporate him into areas of their professional lives such as preparation, presentation, and delivery. Personal obedience to Christ and preaching the Word of Christ must coincide.

The only weakness found in this work is the lack of conciseness in Heisler's working definitions. For instance, when he presents his definition of expository preaching, he states:



Expository preaching is the Spirit-empowered proclamation of biblical trust derived from the illuminating guidance of the Holy Spirit by means of a verse-by-verse exposition of the Spirit-inspired text, with a view to applying the text by means of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, first to the preacher's heart, and then to the hearts of those who hear, culminating in an authentic and powerful witness to the living Word, Jesus Christ, and obedient, Spirit-filled living (21).

While the construct of this definition reminds one of the Greek sentence construct of the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 1:3-14), this structure does not allow for the reader to absorb the definition easily. Breaking this sentence down into two, three, even four sentences would be helpful. His vision of teaching homiletics commits the same faux pas -- to which he readily admits (75).

Even so, this reviewer plans on using this book as a textbook in training expository preachers in his local church setting. The evangelical world in general and preachers specifically should be grateful to Greg Heisler for re-introducing the Spirit to expositorypreaching. Along with this volume, Arturo G. Azurdia's book on Spirit-Empowered Preaching serves as an excellent compliment. Praise God for raising up Spirit-led preachers in our present age.

Music
Spring Awakening
Published in Paperback by Theatre Communications Group (2007-07-06)
Authors: Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik
List price: $13.95
New price: $8.08
Used price: $8.84

Average review score:

Spring Awakening Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-07
Excellent book. EXACTLY line for line from the musical. I highly suggest reading "Spring's Awakening" along with this. It is the original version of this play that the musical is based off of.

Great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-06
This is worth it if you are a Spring Awakening fan. I saw it on Broadway a month ago and absolutely fell in love with it.

Perfect
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-29
Not only was it delivered ahead of schedule, but it was in perfect condition. I almost didn't want to take it out of the wrapping!

Gotta Love That German Teen Angst
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-25
Steven Sater's new approach to "Spring Awakening" was suprisingly refreshing. The text was much easier to follow compared to the original version of the play.

But when I first picked it up I thought: How in the world do you make a musical out of this? But I have got to admit his post-modern twist on the play using the music to enchance the inner workings of the characters and not the story really worked!

The play ,although written quite awhile ago, still has issues and characters that audiences today can relate to. It's a great play that any reader will finish off quickly. Trust me; you're not going to want to put it down.

Love It!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-10
I couldn't put it down when I first recieved it. Spring Awakening, is an amazing adapation of Wedekind's, Spring's Awakening first written in 1899. I own the original by Wedekind, and really appreciated how Steven Sater was able to maintain the integrity of the original while adapting it to a new libretto. When I read the lyrics of the songs in context to the story, I am nothin short of amazed. My recommendation is to read the script, and utilize the soundtrack at the appropriate times. It really enhances the experience. This book and play alone is magnificent, but coupled with the music of Duncan Shiek it is a masterpiece.

Music
Steady on
Published in Paperback by Word Entertainment Music (1998-08)
Author:
List price: $17.95
New price: $14.00

Average review score:

Great devotional
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-04
I absolutely liked this devotional and you get to learn more about the CCM group Point of Grace. There are 24 chapters, its easy to read, with song lyrics, questions, etc. I'd even reccomend it to those that aren't fans of POG, because its a very well done devotional. Great for beginners and new Christians. You can use this devotional anytime of the year, since it doesn't have any calendar dates. It's also great for a small group study.

It is *great*.I love POG they r so cool.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-29
I read the book it is really good it inspires me so much.I have all their cds.I love their music so much .I can't wait to meet them.I LOVE POG.

Point of Grace is AWESOME!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-10-28
I had been wanting this book for awhile and I got it for my birthday. I was so thrilled. It is a truly awesome book. These four girls are very talented and definetly chose the right way in which to use them! Their voices blow me away everytime I hear them. God blessed them so much. This book is SO good! Please buy it! I assure you that you will love it too!! :o)

This book will bring you closer to your savior.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-26
I'm a big fan of Point of Grace, so I got this book originally because I liked them so much. When I read the book I was blown away!! The girls may not consider themselves writers but the did an incredible job on this book. I had to contain myself to only read one a day! If you are a Christian, I garuantee it will bring you closer to God, and if it doesn't touch you in any way, e-mail me:o)

"Steady On" makes your days....steady.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-17
Point of Grace's "Steady On" Devotional book is a beautifully written piece of literature. For individuals who may be in a "dry" spell in their walk with Christ, I reccomend you read a devotional from "Steady On" every morning- read it in the morning (do the questions through keeping a journal)and that way you have started your day on a solid foundation. Also, be sure to end your devotional time in prayer. "Steady On" is a great way to get excited about your walk with Christ. Point of Grace is a pheonomenon in the Christian music industry. With amazing harmonies and their honesty behind their words in "Steady On", it's no wonder that this group is as succesful as they are. Go out and purchase "Steady On." If you sit down and get totally honest with yourself, this devotional book can lead you into days filled with the hope, peace, and contentment that Jesus longs for you to experience. You WILL NOT be disapointed. Enjoy...

Music
Steve Mcqueen
Published in Paperback by Arena Editions (2002-09-30)
Author: William Claxton
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Used price: $34.99

Average review score:

Cliche photos, some interesting details
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
The book contains some details about mcQueen's life that only the writer knew , that give a hint about how mcQueen viewed life, danger, and speed.
but the photos are mainly advertising ones and not real life.
i would expect more on the life of mcqueen as a person and not only as an actor

Leaves you begging for more
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-20
A wonderful work of art that captures what made Steve so charismatic and appealing. It leaves you wishing you could see more from other periods in his life. This is a book I will treasure all my life. Thank you Amazon, I would have paid ten times as much for this book. God Rest His Soul.

A Fitting Photo Tribute
Helpful Votes: 17 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-30
According to his foreward to this book, the photographer William Claxton met Steve McQueen in 1962 when McQueen was starring with Natalie Woods in LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER. The two men formed a friendship and apparently Mr. Claxton became Mr. McQueen's favorite and most requested photographer. This book of wonderful photographs, covering a couple of years in Mr. McQueen's life from 1962 to 1964, is a result of that brief friendship. Most of the pictures appear to be shot in available light and have a wonderful, informal spontaneity about them impossible to capture in formal portraiture. Both the photographer and subject are comnpletely without pretention.

Mr. Claxton caught Mr. McQueen smiling, clowning and pensive. There are photographs of McQueen in fast cars as well as on motorcycles. Many of the shots were done while Mr. McQueen was working on movies. There are also many pictures of him with family and friends. Most of the shots are in black and white with a few in color. Every time I look at them I find yet another photograph that I think is the best in the book. There is a haunting shot of McQueen with his young daughter where the child, sitting on the floor and resting on her arms, looks into Claxton's camera. We only see her father's legs and feet. (p. 79) Another great shot appears on page 73. McQueen is embracing the family cat. Finally, there's a shot of McQueen lying on a blanket in a large field. His profile is beautifully backlit. Both photographs selected for the front and back covers are fine, informal portraits as well.

This book made me remember how much I enjoyed Steve McQueen's movies and made me sad that he is no longer among us.

I agree with the other review: "Leaves you begging for more".
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-15
A great book, considering it is of a short period in Steve McQueen's life. This is him in his prime captured by a great photographer.

McQueen fan
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08
Very comprehensive. Show's a different side of the rough and tumble character known as Steve McQueen. Very entertaining.

Music
Structural Hearing: Tonal Coherence in Music (2 Volumes in 1)
Published in Hardcover by Dover Pubns (1962-01)
Author: Felix Salzer
List price: $10.00
Used price: $7.97

Average review score:

A must have for serious musicians
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-11
Shenkerians principles in digestable form. A great approach to analysis(one that seems to be dominating todays music analysis). I was not really sold on Shenkerian analysis until I read this book. I still feel that sometimes the principles are "over-exhausted", but Shenkerian analysis is certainly better, and more meaningful than strict chordal grammar analysis. The only problem is that the examples are not placed within the text; so you constantly have to flip back and forth to look at the example that the text is referring too.

Quintessential Schenkerian Theory
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-16
For anyone interested in Tonal Theory this work is absolutely necessary. Salzer's work is a continuation & extrapolation on Heinrich Schenker's work on music theory. The only drawback is it is not fully consistent when dealing with post-Romanticism (but then Schneker's theory is not always applicable in later musical contexts, & in some cases not completely internally-consistent). However, for the foundations of music from Bach to Beethoven (& the Romantic composers afterward as well as any modern composition even remotely tonal) it is a masterwork.

necessary book
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-24
i believe we are biological machines. We process stimuli from our environment in parallel processing neural nets called brains. this is done so that we have appropriate motor output for our environment.

concepts are essentially processing categories of our brains. the concepts we have reflect certain efficient ways of processing environmental stimuli, ways that WORK. the most successful concepts are the ones that work.

when it comes to music composition, the concepts in this book WORK.

though some criticize and say a host of difficulties and nuances are subsumed under some pretty broad strokes, that ultimately doesn't matter. because suspended maj 9th don't matter. music that moves matters. this book focuses on the motion in music.

the basic idea is that harmony indicates certain stopping points, like the hard bones of an organism. but the motion between these points, the flesh as it were, is counterpoint.

bones and flesh, structure and motion, crystallization and fluidity, harmony and counterpoint.

that's the idea. will change the way you hear music. very, very deep. very, very good.

these ideas are very close to an explication of how composers think.

Excellent Book!, but try rebinding it.
Helpful Votes: 89 out of 89 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-04
This is a great book for those interested in exploring the many and varied aspects and ramifications of Schenkerian theory. I first bought this book in its hardback-two-separate-volume edition in 1972 or 1973, when, as an undergraduate music student, I was looking for answers to how music "works." This was while studying at a university where the music theory department had been commandeered by a couple of "avant-gardiste" professors who, after eliminating all traditional harmony classes,further insisted that all students should compose, regardless of interest or ability, and that atonality, interminable dissonance, and "originality" for its own sake be the ideals which one should be forced to uphold. It was in this environment that I began my search for musical understanding, and started researching the theoretical, harmonic, contrapuntal, and formal aspects of music that were so sorely neglected in my university education. It was at this time that I became aware of the book "Structural Hearing." In fact, one friend of mine told me, that this was the best book on theory that he had ever read.
There are three things I would recommend to anyone interested in studying this book:
1. First, understand the basics of 4-part harmony, and become proficient at reading figured bass notation. This will help you understand the sections of the book that deal with what the author refers to as "chord grammar."
2. Second, get a copy of "The Study of Counterpoint," by J. J. Fux. This is the Norton edition of the translation of the famous "Gradus ad Parnassum." Work through the exercises in this book. In addition to being a lot of fun, these exercises will teach you a ton about the origins of harmony, voice leading, etc., and will provide some amazing practical solutions to problems you may encounter later, in composing original music, and/or arranging. I have always been happy for the work I did in this book. Trust me, you won't regret it!
3. Go to the nearest print shop that does book binding. They can split your book into two volumes, laminate the covers of them, and spiral bind each section. This will allow you to have the text and the examples side by side, and, as they are spiral bound, will allow you to lay them out flat. I do this with almost all of the scores, or music books with which I work. I recommend this to the reviewer above who expressed regret that the book was bound as a single volume, as well as all others who study this book.
I am delighted to get this book in the paperback edition, and I hope my recommendations are helpful.

GREAT book, but get an older copy
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-05
This comment has more to do with the format of the Dover reprint than it does with the actual text. In the older edition of "Structural Hearing" the text was in volume one and the examples were in volume two. This allowed the reader to have the examples in front of them to refer to while they read the text. The Dover reprint is essentially both volumes bound into one book. This causes the book to be very cumbersome, although it probably significantly lowers the production cost. When I read "Structural Hearing" I finally had to check out volume two from the university library. I sincerely hope that the new Longman edition of "Der Frei Satz" maintains the original format.

Music
The Teddy Bears' Picnic
Published in Paperback by HarperTrophy (2000-05-31)
Author: Jerry Garcia
List price: $5.95
Used price: $168.79

Average review score:

A beautiful story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
I remember my sister (who is a bit younger than I) listening to and reading the teddy bear's picnic and being jealous that she got to have a book by jerry (I was raised in a house with many songs to fill the air)! This is a wonderful song, and though it's been years since I've looked at the story book I still have the tape in my old tape player (and I'm 20!)

A Lovely Addition to your Child's life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13
I learnt this song when I was a child and when I could share this with my kids - it was a joy. The illustrations are sweet & give the child something to search for on each page. The music is great & helps you learn the song yourself - so you can sing the song as a family.

The Teddy Bears' Picnic Board Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-18
It's wonderful! You need to know the song to sing this song to your children or grandchildren.

Not for Kids Only
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-17
Jerry and David have an amazing ability to create sensitive and intricate music and sing the most endearing words making a song lovely for all ages to enjoy. The children I care for love Teddy Bear picnic, as well as, the whole compilation of songs on "Not for Kids Only." The book/ tape combo is a wonderful gift for baby showers. Moms love the music too because its easy on the ears. Hats off to Jerry and David! They are masters at what they do!

The Teddy Bears' Picnic is charming
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-22
Uncle Jerry & Uncle David unpack their guitar & banjo, sit down in front of the fire & make music. Your rug rats are in for a fine treat as these fine musicians accompany Uncle Bruce's picture story. Long, long ago when this editor was little the radio was her speaker to the world. There were programs for women & children dotted throughout the day on the BBC station & one in particular for the very young, in which could be heard such charming duets as Run Rabbit Run & The Teddy Bears' Picnic. I loved the mellow fellows who sang this charming song. I had not heard this melody in all those years when the book & attached audiotape caught my eye amid a chorus of bear calls & growls, demanding I listen. I never argue with Teddy Bears, especially when they're singing!...

Music
Terrifying Technique for Guitar
Published in Paperback by Hal Leonard Corporation (1996-11-01)
Author: Carl Culpepper
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.89
Used price: $9.00
Collectible price: $14.99

Average review score:

Terrifying Technique
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-27
As the title reads "Terrifying Techique" it delivers. This is a great book to add to your daily guitar studies. I have noticed steady improvement in my playing in a short amount of time. There are some cool chromatic, picking, and arpeggio exercises. Sweeps are simplified and broken into smaller patterns, which I have found helpful in building clean technique. This is a good guild for strengthening chops.

Technique only
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-13
The book itself will tell you this information, and its clearly in the title-this is all about technique, theory gets the boot.If thats what your looking for then from what Ive already got out of this book I can say you will enjoy this.

The early chapters will tread some familiar ground if you know some scales and basic finger strengthening exercises.But even early on t has some interesting ideas that might make you improve your dexterity so dont skip by them. The chapter on sweep picking is one Im currently working on and has some ways of picking that seem unlike what others would teach, and work very well for making you think in a different way.

Theres also chapters on linear scale movement, chicken picken,alternate picking arpeggios, tapping,bending and legato.Thats a great variety, and if I had been at a slightly lower level of playing, would have found this to be an even greater deal.I plan on going through the whole book regardless, it simply cant hurt.Right now Im just filling in the gaps of my technique.

Problems I encounter with this book include the cd and how its tracks are arranged.There are too many exercises per track- there are hundreds of exercises crammed into 18 tracks.If you are jumping back into the book and happen to be in the middle of a chapter, its a bit annoying to scan by ten or more tracks to get to what you need. Some of the exercises arent organized well either.One pattern is sometimes broken down into three different sections, which are the same pattern just repeated on tab for one or more bars.It seems like a waste of space when it could have simply said"now, repeat this bar".But thats just me nitpicking.

If any of the above mentioned skills are something you need help in,get the book.For the price you can grab it easily, and as long as you go at a good pace I cant see you not improving.

Great book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
I have had this book for about a month now, and i have done nothing but improve my coordination and skill level on my guitar. Great buy!

Shred bible
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-04
This book is everything it promises to be. The sequences and exercises will really build dexterity, speed and accuracy over time with lots of practice. I read the raving reviews but I was worried that the section on hybrid picking was one on the use of this technique to play intervals or double-stops( which has little to do with speed picking). I was happy however when I bought the book and found out that it actually meant chicken picking, a country music speed picking technique using the pick and the rest of the right hand fingers. Excellent!!

Great Book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-16
This is a great book and well worth the price...
I would suggest this book for all levels...
It starts out easy and ends up very difficult...There is something in this book for every level guitarist...
One of the best books i have bought on Amazon...
Randy


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