The Old-Time Fiddler's Repertory Volume 2 (Volume 2)

Description

Fiddle music has long been a part of the American folk tradition, yet before the publication in 1973 of The Old-Time Fiddler’s Repertory by R. P. Christeson, little had been available in formal notation. Now, in a sequel to that book, Christeson provides scores for more than two hundred additional tunes, along with background information on the fiddlers from whom he has transcribed the music. As in the first book, Christeson has arranged the scores by musical type: breakdowns, organized by key; quadrilles, which some folks call jigs; miscellaneous pieces; and waltzes. Most of these tunes are from Missouri, fitting because the state is a leader in old-time fiddling, with numerous contests and active local associations promoting the music. Both volumes of The Old-Time Fiddler’s Repertory are outstanding collections in an attractive and useful form. Review: Welcome addition to my personal library. - I’ve had volume one of this for almost 50 years, and the two LP set for many years. I almost always learn by ear, but it’s nice to have the written music for those passages my dense brain can’t quite hear. I wish all books of music came with a spiral binding like this one did. R.P. Christeson did such wonderful work documenting the fiddlers in his region and era. He wasn’t a folklorist or musicologist, but an agronomist who loved the music. Review: Great follow up to the first volume! - I play mandolin but I hate mandolin music books because they waste space with mandolin tablature. So I am building my library of great music by buying fiddle books and this (plus volume 1) are wonderful collections, clearly notated and with nice accompanying notes with each tune. If this review seems like the same review I'm publishing for volume 1, that's because it is the same review. Both books are worth purchasing for anybody interested in old-time music and keeping that wonderful folk tradition alive.