Howard Barkers alter-ego Eduardo Houth first materialised as the photographer of publicity images for Barkers theatre company The Wrestling School; one of many fictional identities assumed by the playwright to screen a range of his activities; including set and costume design.Writing of himself in the third person and in the historic tense; Barker/Houth achieves a fluency and an uncommon measure of objectivity; though objectivity is scarcely the sole intention. The result is a unique exercise in self-description; partisan but without the shrill self-justification so common in a mere autobiography. Barker/Houths A Style and its Origins is very much a literary creation; it is also a totally original document and a rich history of the dramatist and his aesthetic.
#1289971 in eBooks 2012-07-16 2012-07-16File Name: B008FKKGWO
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding - a must have for period violinistsBy JHWThis is a powerful book. with excellent insights in it for anyone interested in string music pre-1800. and anyone interested in being a better violinist. It has material that is appropriate for violinists on all levels from beginner to advanced. including extensive discussion on how to liberate yourself from the tyranny of the printed page and really understand what you are trying to do musically. (The discussion on double-stops alone is worth the price of the book.) The technical requirements are demanding and go in a very different direction from current performance philosophy. but I found myself asking such questions as if doing as Professor Richie recommends produces better tone for Baroque performance. is there some principle I can apply to get a better tone when I am playing more recent compositions using a modern instrument and bow?There are some challenges - the book uses terms that assume you have some background (e.g. pronation) - and there is always the thought that if I do this. will it make it harder to switch back to a late Romantic style when I need to? Will I become better or just confused? Likewise. perpetual problem with any how-to book. is that it is nice to have a teacher around to say yes or relax your upper arm more. For all of these issues. it is important to remember that the book is a starting point for what can be a very valuable musical journey.Great book.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A precise handbook for the baroque violinistBy BestemorThis book is an excellent reference for playing the baroque violin and viola. The contents treat intonation. position for holding the instrument and exercises for success. Professor Ritchie shares important information based on his years of teachiing and playing the instruments.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. This is a great book!By CustomerIf you are interested to learn about baroque performance practice this is the book to buy. You will learn about bowing techniques and inflections that are in the music if read with a trained eye. The author has taught at Indiana University for over 30 years - essentially this is his method book for teaching early music. Highly recommended.
