Product Description

David McGill has assembled an exhaustive study that uses the musical concepts of the legendary Marcel Tabuteau as a starting point from which to develop musical thought. McGill methodically explains the frequently misunderstood "Tabuteau number system" and its relationship to note grouping-the lifeblood of music. The controversial issue of baroque performance practice is also addressed. Instrumentalists and vocalists alike will find that many of the ideas presented in this book will help develop their musicianship as well as their understanding of what makes a performance "musical."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #104117 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 392 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780253219268
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Can musicality be taught? . . . [McGill] says that a lot can be taught, even to players with considerable experience. . ." -- Los Angeles Times, March 30, 2008

Review
"...informative and entertaining ... The book is a well-written and opinionated treatise on almost every aspect of the art of musicianship..."

From the Publisher
"A most important, all encompassing book about music, its nature and its significance, not only for the professional musician, but for all those who see in it an expression of human creation. [McGill] deals with the different expressive means of sound, of styles and, perhaps most important of all for the practicing musician: the connection between attitude and aptitude. He understands perfectly that music is, after all, not a profession, but rather a way of life. . . . A rare book full of knowledge and insight." --Daniel Barenboim, world-renowned pianist and conductor

Customer Reviews

Answers phrasing questions in an enjoyable narrative style
"Why does one player's version of a musical work sound more 'musical' than someone else's version?" The book gives the answer---it is
PHRASING.
The author discusses how to achieve phrasing that conveys motion and lyricism: note grouping, choice of articulation, dynamics, and (to some degree) tonal production.
Many aspects of how great phrasing is produced come from the Philadelphia tradition of woodwind playing, exemplified by the legendary teachers at the Curtis Institute. The information is, however, applicable to all instruments.
Other sources might present bits and pieces of this material, but David McGill has put it all here, succinctly, and in an easy to read and logical narrative. He is a fine writer (and bassoonist) and will hopefully produce additional books...perhaps with an illustrative CD? hint. hint.
This book is a must for both serious amateurs and for performance majors.

If you are a classical musician, you must own this book!!!!
Having studied with David McGill, I can honestly say with first-hand experience that he is a truly remarkable musician and teacher. As I read this book, I felt as I did in every one of my lessons. I know I left his studio each week better than I went in and I feel that I am now a wholly better musician because of his teachings. What I liked most, and what works so well in this book, too, was his clear and direct way of presenting information that made you feel like it was so obvious and you couldn't figure out why you hadn't thought of it before...I think any performer, whether a student or a seasoned veteran, can learn immensely from David's book and grow into a more thoughtful performer and a more valid interpreter of the music that we perform. Buy this book!

Great Book!
Very nice book. Great Reading. Interesting argument about musical phrasing, understanding the musical terminology and how to play from a "tension-distension" point of view. One can disagree from the opinion presented in the book, but a good reading even though.