1. The techniques of singing

Author: Nicholas Isherwood

Publisher: Barenreiter

ISBN: 9783761818619

Introduction: The music of the 20th and 21st centuries demands a notably larger spectrum of abilities than traditional vocal literature. Nicholas Isherwood describes these techniques with numerous examples, gives practice tips and demonstrates the techniques on the CD included with this book. Composers will also benefit from this book, thanks in particular to information on vocal registers, their limits and possibilities. In addition, the musical examples provide an insight into various notation possibilities.

2. The Mahler Family Letters

Author: Stephen McClatchie

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: 9780195140651

Introduction: Hundreds of the letters that Gustav Mahler addressed to his parents and siblings survive, yet they have remained virtually unknown. Now, for the first time Mahler scholar Stephen McClatchie presents over 500 of these letters in a clear, lively translation in The Mahler Family Letters. Drawn primarily from the Mahler-Rose Collection at the University of Western Ontario, the volume presents a complete, well-rounded view of the family's correspondence.

3. The techniques of violin playing

Author: Irvine Arditti, Robert HP Platz

Publisher: Barenreiter

ISBN: 9783761822678

Introduction: This book is on contemporary violin technique. It presents detailed explanations of the technical possibilities of the violin for performers and composers. It takes into account the virtuosity of a new generation of soloists. The chapters on bowing techniques, vibrato, pizzicato, glissando, flageolet, tablatures, rhythm and electronic sound production are illustrated with numerous musical examples and diagrams. Particularly helpful is the accompanying DVD, where Arditti demonstrates and explains the described techniques. Chapters on the basics of violin technique and on Irvine Arditti’s personal experience with notable composers make the book equally interesting for non-violinists.

4. The Mendelssohns - Their Music in History

Author: John Michael Cooper, Julie D. Prandi

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: 9780198167235

Introduction: This is a compendium of scholarship concerning the lives, works, and receptions of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Fanny Hensel. Representing the latest work of leading specialists from the USA, France, Great Britain, and Italy, the essays are organized according to a number of issues that have become vital during the past 20 years: sources and source problems, studies of individual works, problematic repertoires, the relationships between Felix and Fanny, and issues of reception history.

5. The Mindful Musician: Mental Skills for Peak Performance

Author: Vanessa Cornett

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: 9780190864606

Introduction: In this book, author Vanessa Cornett offers guidelines to help musicians cultivate artistic vision, objectivity, freedom, quiet awareness, and self-compassion, both on and offstage in order to become more resilient performers. With the aid of a companion website that includes audio files and downloadable templates, the book provides a method to promote attentional focus, self-assessment, emotional awareness, and creativity. The first of its kind to combine mindfulness practices with research in cognitive and sport psychology, this book helps musicians explore the roots of anxiety and other challenges related to performance, all through the deliberate focus of awareness.