L'arche de Noé du guitariste, vol. 1 (CD inclus)

Please note that audio files from the CD are not included in the PDF format purchase option. The discount has been adjusted accordingly.

Characterful and carefully written to avoid technical difficulties, the ten descriptive miniatures here are suitable for younger players up to around grade five. This is a beautifully presented volume with clear notation and attractive collage-like illustrations. Each piece depicts an animal, with appropriate and contrasting techniques used throughout in a manner which easily captures the imagination. L'escargot explores elements of the A major scale with straightforward two part writing using mainly open bass strings.
Le Cobra has sinister modal figures with effective tonal and dynamic contrasts. Le dromadaire has a similar feel, but is more demanding in its shifts and campanella effects, and L'éléphanteau, although perhaps less immediately entertaining to play, has effective displayed chords and sixth string glissandos. Played with a swing, Le Chat has a humorous jazzy feel the opening pizzicato bass line requires careful measuring but technical demands are limited. L'ours employs further pizzicato and is marked «ambience ukrainienne« ; Le Condor could prove popular, playing on El Condor Pasa and combining a variety of South American idioms including strummed passages. Le Cheval imitates the banjo, hints at Copland with its «rodeo« connotations and could be a useful start for a young player with ambitions towards a more advanced Wild West piece. Shorter and more delicate in style, Le Poisson moves up the fingerboard closing with harmonies. The final piece, Le Bourdon, alternates thumb and fingers across the first two strings and is highly effective up to speed. This volume is refreshingly different and could inspire many capable young players.
Linda Kelsall-Barnett (Classical Guitar Magazine)