P. tortelier: how i play, how i teach

Chiaro, ben strutturato, utile.

This was out of print and I was very pleased to get a copy. It was exactly as described and it arrived very promptly.

Que se puede decir, si llegas a comprar este libro es porque admiras a este ser de luz que tuvo el cello en su historia! Es un libro para gente que tiene unos meses de iniciado, como asi tambien para gente avanzada. Las fotos (dado que son fotos del anio 60 y 70 son muy buenas y las explicaciones bien traducidas y claras. Muchos ejercicios! realmente recomendable para alumnos y profes!

Tortelier was an amazing cellist and a real character. This 'method' has many terrific exercises for both the bow and the left hand, but also has some very helpful illustrations and photographs demonstrating good body, arm, hand and finger positioning. Tortelier had remarkably long fingers (and thumbs), yet the focus of the early part of the text is on the core aspects of balance and use of large muscle groups which relates well to those of us of differing anatomical proportions. This is not really a book for the beginner, yet I've found that reference to these earlier photos can help beginners remember what they're looking for when playing in front of a mirror. The bulk of the exercises are great for developing bow control and fluidity, and for tuning the ear whilst working on hand shape and position changes. Still a very valuable resource.

Every cellist should have it at home. A way precise, concise, direct all over the technical possibilities,mistakes, positions on the best instrument ever built.