The Sassmannshaus Tradition: Early Start on the Violin, Volume 1

SKU: BA.BA08991

ISBN 9790006565665. 30 x 23 cm inches.

The nine pieces in this second volume of the “Viola Recital Album” augment those appearing in volume 2 of the viola tutor. There the pieces are integrated in ascending order of difficulty, whereas the additional pieces in the “Recital Album” can be handled more freely and inserted at any point for the sake of variety.

The volume contains such pieces as Carrie Williams Krogmann's “Rotkehlchens Nachtgesang” (“Robin's nocturne”) or Wilhelm Fitzenhagen's “Russisches Lied ohne Worte” (“Russian song without words”).

Each piece is accompanied by duo version in which the teacher or an advanced learner can play the second part. There is also a piano part that can be played by the teacher or parents.

All the pieces in the four “Viola Recital Albums” represent welcome additions to the already varied repertoire of Egon Sassmannhaus's viola tutor “Early Start on the Viola”.

Kurt Sassmannshaus is the editor of many string editions in the Bärenreiter catalogue. He continues in the tradition of “Early Start on String Instruments” founded by his father, Egon Sassmannshaus. The new editions mentioned here were developed by Kurt Sassmannshaus in conjunction with his wife Melissa Lusk and his son Christoph Sassmannshaus.

About Baerenreiter's Sassmannshaus

Children playfully learn reliable technique at the earliest age. For more than three decades the Sassmannshaus Tradition has been the household name for excellence in beginner methods in German-speaking countries. More than half a million students have successfully learned to play using this publication.

This tried and tested German method is now available in English! The best-selling method that gave generations of European musicians their foundation is now available in English, with content and songs newly adapted for today's English speaking children.

What makes this method so special?

• The child-friendly and age-appropriate text underlying the music enables children to perceive melodies as a whole and to understand their singable qualities.
• Songs and scales in different positions are easily explained and mastered within the first year. This is an important advantage over methods that confine children to the first position for many years.
• Note reading is emphasized from the first lesson - children are brought up to become proficient sight-readers and play in chamber music ensembles as early as possible.
• In contrast to other beginner methods, The Sassmannshaus Tradition progresses swiftly by introducing advanced techniques in rudimentary form, such as shifting and varied bow strokes.
• Ensemble playing is encouraged from the very beginning.
• The method is suitable for single instruction as well as for group and class lessons.
• The large print notes and text as well as many colorful illustrations are particularly child-friendly and very attractive to pre-school children and school children alike.
• The substantial volumes contain comprehensive material and carefully calibrated learning curves. They keep children curious and interested for many months and years.