A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music

A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music is a book that provides instruction on using early sources, making editorial decisions, and arranging music for early instruments. It pays tribute to the ideas and ideals of the early music revival and examines how these can be implemented in an early music field revolutionized by technology and artistic independence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

A comprehensive guide for performers seeking to transcribe, edit, and arrange early music, A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music offers invaluable insights and techniques. This essential resource guides musicians through the process of utilizing early sources such as manuscripts, prints, and treatises in score, parts, or tablature, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances and complexities of these materials. It delves into the critical considerations behind basic editorial decisions, including determining the criteria for a version of a musical piece, selecting the most suitable version, and sourcing the appropriate materials. Furthermore, the book provides valuable advice on arranging both early and contemporary music for early instruments, covering topics such as instrument ranges, registers, exploiting the unique characteristics of period instruments, and creating convincing textures of accompaniment. By drawing upon methods inspired by early models and pioneers of the early music revival, Alon Schab pays tribute to their ideas and ideals while exploring how these principles can be applied in the context of a field revolutionized by technology and artistic independence. This comprehensive guide is a must-have for musicians and scholars alike, providing a deep understanding of the art of transcribing, editing, and arranging early music and its rich historical and cultural significance.

A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music is a comprehensive guide for musicians seeking to delve into the world of transcribing, editing, and arranging early music. This invaluable resource provides detailed instruction on three crucial tasks that early music performers often undertake to enhance the visibility and appeal of their work to audiences.

Firstly, the book delves into the art of utilizing early sources, such as manuscripts, prints, and treatises, in score, parts, or tablature. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances and complexities of these materials and offers practical techniques for transcribing and interpreting them accurately. By exploring the various methods and approaches used by early musicians and composers, performers can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of early music and develop a more nuanced understanding of its musical language.

Secondly, the guide explores the priorities behind basic editorial decisions in early music performance. It discusses the criteria for determining a version of a musical piece, the process of selecting the most suitable version, and the importance of choosing the appropriate source for that version. It sheds light on the challenges and complexities involved in preserving and interpreting early music, and provides insights into the ethical considerations that arise in the process. By examining these editorial decisions, performers can develop a critical eye for the nuances and variations in early music performances and make informed choices that enhance the overall impact of their work.

Lastly, the book offers valuable advice on arranging both early and contemporary music for early instruments. It discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by working with historical instruments and explores the techniques and approaches used to exploit their unique characteristics. It also provides guidance on creating convincing textures of accompaniment that complement the music and enhance the overall listening experience. By drawing upon methods and insights from early models and pioneers of the early music revival, performers can create arrangements that are both historically accurate and artistically compelling.

In addition to its instructional content, A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music pays tribute to the ideas and ideals promoted by the pioneers of the early music revival. It examines how these principles can be implemented in the context of a field that has been revolutionized by technology and unprecedented artistic independence. By exploring the interplay between tradition and innovation, the book offers insights into the future of early music performance and its potential for growth and development.

Overall, A Performer's Guide to Transcribing, Editing, and Arranging Early Music is a must-have resource for musicians, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of early music. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide to transcribing, editing, and arranging early music, while also honoring the legacy of the pioneers of the early music revival. By embracing the power of technology and artistic independence, performers can create arrangements that are both historically accurate and artistically compelling, and contribute to the ongoing evolution and appreciation of this vibrant musical tradition.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197600665