Overview

This book strikes at the heart of musical performance with a study of the relationship between music and rhetoric which was much remarked upon during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ideas of the classical rhetoric books are traced through the Tudor classroom to the late eighteenth century. Concentrating on performance techniques that aid the communication of musical ideas to an audience, historical source material is used to demonstrate how to hold the attention of the listener and at the same time move and delight them. Quotations from the rhetoric manuals, Shakespeare and the Bible are complemented by over one hundred musical examples, drawn mainly from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, illustrating the connection between speaking and playing in the rhetorical style.

Full Product Details

9780993281037

Table of Contents

Reviews

'An invaluable resource for any musician wanting to study the essential ingredients of an affective and effective performance of Baroque music. It may well be the most useful and intriguing book on Baroque performance practice ever written'. (Early Music America) 'Serious performers and listeners should read it, whether because of rhetorical theory or Judy's musical common sense, you'll learn a lot about performance, as any who have heard her teaching will expect'. (Early Music Review) 'The value of Tarling's work is that her aim is fundamentally a practical one, getting beyond the usual categorizations and drawing on her experience as a performer. The approach from practice is much rare than from analysis, and, although distinguished performers have often commented on the need for understanding rhetoric, this has not until now been backed up with such comprehensive theoretical background and specific detail. For its comprehensive nature, scholarly interest, and particularly for its practical insights this is a book from which performers should learn a very great deal of value'. (Early Music) 'A most exciting an important document, a truly fascinating book. I can imagine it will appeal to the avid concert goer as well as to the committed performer. Very approachable, with amusing drawings and instructive illustrations'. (European String Teachers' Association)

Author Information

Judy Tarling has been a pioneer in the early music movement since the seventies and is known principally as a member of The Parley of Instruments, The Hanover Band and The Brandenburg Consort. She has recorded extensively for Hyperion Records and performed world wide.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available