New Reference Books, June 2009

Shrock, Dennis. Choral Repertoire. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. Ref. ML 128.C456 Sh87c

Choral Repertoire is a descriptive survey of the choral music of the Western hemisphere as selected by the author, Dennis Shrock, according to the “historical significance” of the composer.  The book lists composers by country within the standard historical eras.  The author has selected to organize all content by “relative importance” with the exception of composers who are listed chronologically within the preceding categories.  A composer index is included to facilitate locating specific entries.  The author provides a historical overview of choral music for each era and country as well as a discussion of the specific composer’s general biography and choral music output.  Choral compositions are described including date, catalog number, scoring, and timing.

Thompson, J. Mark, ed.  Solos for the Student Trombonist. Vuarmarens, Switzerland: Brass Press, 2004. Ref. ML 128.T75 So47 2004

A bibliography of solos for solo trombone (both tenor, bass, and alto trombones) arranged by Grade level (from Grade 3 to 6).  Descriptive information for each work includes composer, title, editor, publisher, duration, range, degree of difficulty,  clefs used and special performance techniques etc.  Recordings of each solo are also listed.    The book includes several appendices including a complete list of recordings as well as indexes by title and composer.

Bayne, Pauline Shaw. A Guide to Library Research in Music. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 2008. Ref. ML 3797.Ba344g

In A Guide to Library Research in Music, Pauline Shaw Bayne provides a comprehensive manual on the intricacies of research methods and information tools in the field of music.  Aimed at the graduate student in music, the book is organized into three parts:  The Short Course; Music Research and Writing; How To: Discovery and Use Resources; and Resources: The Literature of Music.  This book may be used for individual study but could also serve as a class textbook.  The author provides learning exercises throughout the book.

Add comment June 19, 2009

Van Cliburn Competition on Naxos

Naxos Music Library announced today that 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will be completely available through Naxos Music Library.  As of today, they have released the preliminary rounds and the winner’s recordings.

To explore these recordings on Naxos Music Library, search by the keyword “Van Cliburn” and all related recordings will be listed.

You can hear the winners’ recordings by searching these catalog numbers:

Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medalists

  • Nobuyuki Tsujii: VCF090523D
  • Haochen Zhang: VCF090525F

Add comment June 16, 2009

New Reference Books

More stellar reference books are on our shelves.  These include bio-bibliographies on Liszt, Ravel and Saint-Saens, the Encyclopedia of Percussion, Directory of Choral-Orchestral Music and a handbook of orchestral “pops” music by Lucy Manning.

Beck, John E. ed. Encyclopedia of Percussion. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2007. Ref. ML 102.P412 En19 2007.

Provides concise definitions of Western and selected non-Western percussion instruments.  Includes larger articles on broader topics such as Percussion Ensembles, Steel Band/Pan, etc.  The encyclopedia also contains illustrations and a table of percussion terms in English, French, German and Italian.

Manning, Lucy. Orchestral “Pops” Music: A Handbook. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 2009.  Ref. ML 128.Or1 M316

Author has compiled a list of the core orchestral repertoire performed in “Pops” concerts.  For each composition, the book describes instrumentation, duration, movements, title, publishers as well as assigning a “theme” for program planning. Examples of themes include Valentine, Instrumental Pops, Dance, Patriotic, Animals, and Popular Song etc.

Rosewell, Michael. Directory of Choral-Orchestral Music. New York: Routledge, 2007. Ref. ML 128.C45 R729d

Michael Rosewall has undertaken a ‘systematic study’ of the choral-orchestral repertoire.  The book describes choral-orchestral works composed during the past three centuries.  The author intentionally includes repertoire by “non-western musicians, and many works of contemporary writers – especially female composers.”  Each entry describes the title, instrumentation, duration and a list of editions/publishers for the composition.   The directory is organized alphabetically by composer and includes various helpful indexes to the content  (e.g. Works with children or youth voices).

Bio-Bibliographies

At ML 134, in our reference collection, you will not only find catalogues and thematic catalogs dedicated to specific composers, but will also find books that are often called ‘bio-bibliographies” or “Guides to Research.”  Primarily published by Routledge and Greenwood Press, these research guides are an excellent place to start when searching for information about a composer and his/her works. These guides/bibliographies provide a biographical sketch of the composer, a descriptive list of his/her compositions, and a bibliography of publications by and about the composer and his/her music.

Flynn, Timothy S. Camille Saint-Saens: A Guide to Research. New York: Routledge, 2003. Ref. ML 134.Sa22 F679c

Saffle, Michael. Franz Liszt: A Guide to Research. 2nd edition. New York: Routledge, 2004. Ref. ML 134.L699 Sa17L 2004

Zank, Stephen. Maurice Ravel: A Guide to Research. New York: Routledge, 2005. Ref. ML 134.R196 Z16m

Add comment May 8, 2009

Recent Acquisitions – chamber music

The following list is some of the new chamber music for strings and/or woodwinds that the Robinson Music Library has recently added. There just might be that “perfect” piece to complete your recital program.  All items are score and part sets.

  • Chabrier, Emmanuel. Espana Rhapsody arranged by Rick Robinson
    flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin & double bass. Oversize M885 C343es R566
  • Chen Yi. Near Distance for flute/alto flute, B♭ clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion. M647 C42n
  • D’Rivera, Paquito. Aires Tropicales for woodwind quintet.  M557 D833ai
  • Farrenc, Louis. Piano Quintet no. 2.  M512.4 F247 op. 30 P586
  • Higdon, Jennifer. Smash for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, violoncello and piano. M622 H535sm
  • Hovhaness, Alan. Prelude and Fugue for oboe (flute) and bassoon. M289.2 H82 op. 13
  • Martinu, Bohuslav. Sextet for piano and winds. M617 M366
  • Maslanka, David. Quintet for Winds no. 3. M557 M379 no.3
  • Milhaud, Darius. Corcovado arrangement pour flute et guitare. M297 M599s c L577
  • Milhaud, Darius. 2e Trio pour piano, violon, violoncelle. M312 M599 op. 428
  • Milhaud, Darius. Two Sketches for woodwind quintet.  M557 M599es aa
  • Piazzolla, Astor. Libertango arranged for woodwind quintet. M559 P578L Sc84
  • Piazzolla, Astor. Milonga sin Palabras for woodwind quintet. M559 P578m Sc31
  • Schickele, Peter. Quartet for clarinet (in A), violin, violoncello, and piano. M422 Sch32
  • Schoenfield, Paul. Trio for clarinet, violin and piano. Oversize M322 Sch633
  • Schoenfield, Paul. Café Music for piano trio. M312 Sch633c
  • Steinmetz, John. Quintet for woodwinds. M557 St365
  • Wetzel, Richard. Sonatina Americana for double reed quartet (2 oboes, 2 bassoons). M457.2 W538so
  • Witt, Friedrich.  Quintet for oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, and piano. M519 W783 op. 6
  • Woodbury, Arthur. When Nod Dreams for two oboes and English horn. M357.2 W852w

Add comment April 28, 2009

Exciting new reference books

New additions to our reference collection this month includes a research and information guide to the violin, a guide to variants in Wagner’s Ring cycle, and additional libretti translations published by Leyerle.

Katz, Mark. The Violin: A Research and Information Guide. New York: Routledge, 2006.  Ref. ML 128.V81 K159v

As the author notes in the preface, it has been over 100 years since a major bibliography dedicated to the violin has been published.  This book addresses this lacuna by providing an up-to-date annotated bibliography centered on the violin.  It is divided into several chapters: Reference & General Studies; The Violin: Acoustics and Construction; Violin Playing and Performance Practice; Violin Music; and Violinists, Violinist-Composers, and Violin Teachers.  Entries are arranged chronologically within each sub-topic.  The book includes author, name, and subtject indexes.

Webb, Susan S. Variants in Wagner’s Vocal Lines: The “Ring” Operas.  Geneseo, NY: Leyerle Publications, 2000.  Ref. ML 410.W125 W384v

In this book, Susan S. Webb documents each variant in the vocal lines from Wagner’s Ring operas.   For each variant, Webb describes how the variant is treated in various key sources (including the compositional sketches, librettos, and the first printed full scores and piano-vocal scores].   She also provides a commentary that summarizes the key discussion/background for the variant.  The book includes indexes by role and by first line of text. Webb provides an extensive amount of information to aid the performer, researcher, conductor etc. in his/her study and performance of this work.

Castel, Nico. Gluck & Monteverdi Opera Libretti. Geneseo, NY: Leyerle Publications, 2008. Ref. ML 48. G52

Castel, Nico. Handel Opera Libretti. Vol. 2. Geneseo, NY: Leyerle Publications, 2007. Ref. ML 49.H118 C2755h v. 2

Attention all singers, the library has two more volumes of Nico Castel’s translations and phonetic readings of opera libretti.  The latest volumes feature the operas of Monteverdi and Gluck and the second volume of Handel’s oeuvre in this genre.  As usual, the books contain Castel’s notes specific to the diction of the language, plot summaries, and, of course, the libretti alongside the English translation and phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet.  Our entire collection of Castel’s opera translations can be found in our reference collection under ML 48-49.

1 comment April 22, 2009

Donald Erb Discography

On Sunday, March 29th at 7 pm, the CIM Composition Department is presenting A Tribute to Donald Erb. The concert features performances of the music of this distinguished composer by the CIM New Music Ensemble (Keith Fitch, director), Yolanda Kondanassis, Josph Connors, Alexander Pride and the CIM Orchestra with special guest conductor, Leonard Slatkin.

In recognition of this event, the Robinson Music Library has compiled a discography of  Donald Erb’s music held by the Robinson and Kulas Music Libraries.    We hope this encourages further exploration and appreciation of Donald Erb’s music.

Discography

Call Numbers for recordings at the Kulas Music Library are prefaced by “Kulas.” For recordings held by both libraries, only the CIM call number is listed. The call number provides a link to a complete description of the recording.
Call Number Title Contents
 Label Year
Kulas CD3291 The art of trumpet and percussion Diversion for two aca 1997
CDc 10,165 Aubade Aubade Azica 2004
Kulas DESTO7128 Bertram Turetzky, contrabass Basspiece, for double bass and tape Desto [1975]
CDc 2000 Clarinet concerto ; Violin concerto ; Trombone concerto Title describes contents
 Koss Classics 1995
CDc 1158 & CDc 3132 Chamber music The watchman’s fantasy  — Aura II  — Five red hot duets for two contrabassoons  — String quartet no. 2 Albany Records 1993
LPc CL 040 Cleveland Composers Guild Sonneries Crystal 1976
Kulas OPO 1 Diversion for two Diversion for two –  Phantasma — String trio for violin, violoncello, and electric guitar Opus One 1966
CDc 1957 Drawing down the moon And then toward the end (1971) for trombone and tape  — Cenotaph (1979) for symphonic band  — Woody (1988) for clarinet  — Symphony for winds (1989) for college wind ensemble  — Drawing down the moon (1991) for piccolo and percussion New World Records 1994
Kulas Room CA1 The infernal machine (et. al] Prismatic variations Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch 1986
CDc 375 The London Philharmonic celebrates American composers Concerto for contrabassoon and orchestra / Donald Erb Leonarda 1990
Kulas ARS NOVA 1008 Metamorphosis Kyrie — Summermusic — Trio for two Ars Nova/Ars Antiqua [1970]
CDc 1099 Music of Cleveland composers Nebbiolina Truemedia Records 1992
CDc 564 Music of Donald Erb The devil’s quickstep (1983) — The rainbow snake(1984) — Sonata for clarinet and percussion (1980) — Quintet (1976)  — The last quintet : (1982) — Sonata for harpsichord and string quartet (1962) CRI [1991]
LPc BA 623 Naumburg Award Winners Three pieces for brass quintet and piano Composers Recordings 1975
LPc DO 080 New music for contrabass Trio for two Finnader 1977
Kulas NONE71223 Reconnaissance ; In no strange land Title describes contents Nonesuch Records [1969]
CDc 5647 Solstice ; Evensong ; Concerto for orchestra Title describes contents Koch International Classics 1998
Kulas LPc CL 044 Sonata for harpsichord and string quartet [et. al.] Sonata for harpsichord and string quartet Composers Recordings [1964?]
Kulas CRI183 Sonata for harpsichord and string quartet (1962) [et al. Title describes contents Composers Recordings [1964?]
Kulas LOU 772 Spatial fanfare : for brass and percussion ; Concerto for trombone and orchestra ; Christmasmusic ; Autumnmusic Title describes contents Louisville Orchestra First Edition Records 1970
CDc 7969 Suddenly it’s evening String quartet no. 3 (1995) — Suddenly it’s evening [1997] — Three poems : for violin and piano (1987)  — Three pieces for double bass alone (1999) CRI 2000
CDc 3422 Sunlit peaks and dark valleys Remembrances — Sonata for solo violin  — Sunlit peaks and dark valleys — Sonata for solo harp  — Changes New World Records 1997
Kulas TURN 34433 Symphony of overtures Symphony of overtures — Seventh trumpet — Concertos, percussion, orchestra Turnabout 197?
CDc 996 Works by Donald Erb Concerto for brass and orchestra — Concerto for violoncello and orchestra — Ritual observances New World Records 1992

Add comment March 24, 2009

Audition advice

polyphonicPreparing for auditions?  Take a look at excerpts from Adam Crane’s Audition Mastery Guide posted on Polyphonic.org.

Polyphonic.org: the Orchestra Musicians Forum is produced by the Eastman School of Music. This forum is designed for the aspiring and practicing orchestra musican.  Read articles about the daily life of orchestral musicians, the business of orchestras and broader topics such as economics and the arts. Polyphonic.org also features interviews with key orchestral musicians as well as discussions on topics from experts in the field.

Add comment February 11, 2009

New Books

Recent additions to our collection discuss music & psychology, Wagner & Venice, music research skills, and a variety of other topics.   Click on the image below for a full description of the book & its library catalog number.

Artists in Exile by Joseph Horowitz

Artists in Exile by Joseph Horowitz

Debussy's Late Style by Marianne Wheeldon

Debussy's Late Style by Marianne Wheeldon

Harmonious Triads by Myles Jackson

Harmonious Triads by Myles Jackson

Wagner and Venice by John W. Barker

Wagner and Venice by John W. Barker

Variations on the Canon

Variations on the Canon

A Theory of Musical Narrative by Byron Almén

A Theory of Musical Narrative by Byron Almén

Psychology for Musicians by A. Lehmann, J. Sloboda and R. Woody

Psychology for Musicians by A. Lehmann, J. Sloboda and R. Woody

Music Library and Research Skilss

Music Library and Research Skills by Jane Gottlieb

Mendelssohn in Performance ed. by Siegwart Reichwald

Mendelssohn in Performance ed. by Siegwart Reichwald

Add comment February 6, 2009

Introducing Clavier Companion

ClavierCompanion

Two journals dedicated to piano pedagogy, Clavier and Keyboard Companion, have merged in 2009 to form Clavier Companion. Published by the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, Clavier Companion will be published bi-monthy.  Please note that Piano Explorer, a supplement to what was former Clavier, is now available as a separate subscription through the Instrumentalist Company.

The current issue, January/February 2009, includes

  • Interviews with pianists Leon Fleisher and Lang Lang
  • Pedagogical articles on…
    • Music Reading: How do you teach fluent reading on ledger lines between the staves? (Craig Sale, Amy Glennon et. al.)
    • How do you teach polyrhythms? (Bruce Berr, Pete Jutras, Sonnet Johnson)
    • Starting a Sutdio: What Where and How? (Rebecca Johnson, Monica Allen, Jessica Mellot)
  • Reviews of new books, music & recordings
  • Keyboard Kid’s Companion – learning activities for the student
  • Question & Answers by Louise L. Goss

The January/February 2009 issue is available in the Robinson Music Library’s Reading Room.

Add comment February 5, 2009

Recent scores added – Percussion solo & ensemble music

Another highly used collection at the Robinson Music Library is comprised of percussion music.  Here is a list of recent additions to this section.

Book

  • Epstein, Frank. Cymbalisms: A Complete Guide for the Orchestral Cymbal Player. Includes accompanying CD. MT725.C992 Ep85cy & CDc 11349

Scores & parts

Add comment February 3, 2009

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