The Scottish Ceilidh Collection for Fiddlers: Volumes 1 and 2

As a sometimes user of all the books in this series, I would say they are probably most useful to those already pretty familiar with the Scots dance music repertoire, who are looking for a reference of fairly easy tunes. The question of accuracy in traditional music is always a vexed one, as many different versions and arrangements of tunes may have validity, but I think many would agree that these books leave considerable scope for improvement in that area.
So the price is reasonable, and the books are handy if you don't take them too literally, and have enough experience to occasionally read between the lines.

Impressive collection of Scottish Ceilidh music (6/6 people found this helpful)

An attractively presented and comprehensive collection of music, chords and bow directions, comprising of approximately 170 tunes. The many musical dance forms found in Scotland are arranged in sets of complementary tunes suitable for playing together. Everything from Waltz's to Gay Gordons, reels to airs, is represented. Readers will be amused by the comical drawings interspersed throughout the book which serve to illustrate the more descriptive tune titles - eg. 'Dashing White Sergeant', 'Jumping Geordie' etc. Although many of the tunes may be drawm from the fiddle-playing tradition of Scotland most of the arrangements would seem to suit any instrumentalist. For the traditional irish musician many of the tunes are familiar session favourites. The collection is also a valuable source of new tunes and styles for those learning music for the first time. More experienced musicians may be disappointed that some more advanced music is not included, but for an overall flavour of Scottish Ceilidh music the collection is impressive.

The Scottish Ceilidh Collection for Fiddlers: Volumes 1 and 2

Christine Martin

Reader Reviews:

Mixed Blessing (1/1 people found this helpful)

Impressive collection of Scottish Ceilidh music (6/6 people found this helpful)

Categories