This is a publication which really does live up to its title. A cross between a manual and a tutor this weighty tome has 458 pages packed full of instruction, photos, diagrams and musical examples. The chapters include sections on the various instruments, ornamentation, studies and 'Great Performances Transcribed', each one encompassing a great deal of informations. Breathing, posture and blowing are all illustrated, modes are covered in great detail, and such things as Rolls and Cranns are comprehesively analysed. There's even a detailed description of the various instruments on the front cover. In short, if it's not in this book it's probably not worth bothering with.
For the beginner to the highly advanced player of Irish flute, tin whistle, or Boehm-system flute. Features a simple and penetrating new approach to understanding and notating ornamentation that goes beyond any previous method, exploring ornamentation techniques never described in print before. Also includes adaptations for Boehm-system flute players, guidance on breathing and phrasing, 49 ornamentation exercises, history and theory of traditional Irish flute and whistle music, and 27 meticulous transcriptions of recordings by these important Irish flute and tin whistle players: John McKenna, Tom Morrison, William Cummins, Seamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, Paddy Taylor, Paddy Carty, Grey Larsen, Josie McDermott, Matt Molloy, Cathal McConnell, Mary Bergin, Donncha Briain (Denis O'Brien), Desi Wilkinson, Breda Smyth, Sean Ryan, Conal O Greda, Micho Russel, Joanie Madden, Kevin Crawford, Catherine McEvoy, and Seamus Egan. For those who don't read music, almost all the exercises, examples and tunes appear on the audio download available online. "Grey has, through his research, patience, and diligence, completed a work on Irish flute and tin whistle that I feel is essential reading for anybody interested in getting it right." - Matt Molloy, Irish Flute player with the Chieftains." Includes access to online audio.
