u/lovestoswatch

Pinging u/KitsouNere, as I started replying to her/his original post, but it was becoming so lengthy that I thought I'd make a separate post - and that original post is the reason for me getting this book

I ordered the book from a high street retailer thinking they had stock available, but I have the strong suspicion that the book is produced on demand, so if I had to order again, I would do so from Cittern Press directly. In fact the latter might have been slightly quicker (by cutting one intermediary/step) - in the end it took about seven weeks, but it is finally with me!

In terms of the book presentation, at first I was disappointed at the choice of A5 page size, which makes the book quite thick, and because the binding does not seem sewn, I worried it might just crack. But in fact the binding, and the book in general, is of very good quality, or at least I am opening it with glee, and no problem at all. In the introduction the author explains that he wanted it to be portable, and that he has put much care so that most pieces will require no page turning at all.

In terms of structure, the book consist of 102 pieces, and it has been put together with very evident thoughtfulness, great care and much love, which shows immediately in how the book is organised. The index is followed by an additional index indicating the keys of each piece, and a suggested drone to accompany the playing.

The pieces are organised in five chapters, as follows: "Trouvieres, troubadours and minnesingers"; "Instrumental dance tunes"; "Early English language songs"; "Sacred and secular"; and "Cantigas de Santa Maria". Each of the various sections is prefaced by a brief but insightful introduction by the author of the characters of the pieces that follow: again no page turning here, as each such preface takes only two pages. The last few pages of the book consist of various scales in the keys of the pieces, a baroque fingering chart, with several additional blank fingering charts (with space for the name of the instrument) for readers to fill in depending on the particularities of their own instrument, and then some additional staff paper for any musical notes the reader might wish to take. A list of sources follows at the end

The level is aimed at beginners and intermediate players, so I am bound to get a lot of fun from this book. The book is for Alto (treble) recorder, so the lowest note for each piece is F, and the author also explains that he tried to avoid pieces getting into the third octave, which therefore makes the book very accessible. A series for soprano is planned too, and that will be fun as well. I think I'll also check how well the pieces in the book will go with a basset. The pieces are meant for soloist, though if a drone is desired, the author suggest the relevant tonic or dominant/fifth for each piece.

The book is peppered with beautiful illustrations in the style of linotype prints. I have only had a go at the first couple of pieces, but this book will keep me busy for a while, and if all the books of the series are like this, I think I am bound to get them all! Again many thanks to u/KitsouNere for highlighting this beautiful book!

ETA: Sarah Jefferey has also a brief review of this book here.