Has anyone used this book?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det...KX0DER&v=glance

Do you have any opinion of it?
I am a very (I mean VERY!) slow music reader, but I wonder if the book is doable for a beginner. I like how it has a CD too.

Thanks,
Angelojf

Hi angelojf, although I haven't used this book I just had a look at the list of contents and it does contain all Chopin's easiest works. It depends how much of a "beginner" you are - if you have played for around a year+ you should enjoy playing some of these pieces.

You are very welcome to join the "for those totally devoted to Chopin" thread on this forum where you will find people who would be delighted to help you, should you have any questions about the music or about the composer.

If you haven't been playing for a year yet, why not buy the book anyway and listen to the CD - that will give you something beautiful to aim for!

In general, the Palmer Introduction books contain the composers easier works and are designed to be accessible to early intermediate to intermediate level players. The CD that is contained in these editions has a performance of the score exactly as written which can be helpful to get how it "should" sound ingrained in your memory.

Hi: I have this book and think it's great. There is no "teaching" presented just the sheet music for about 15 (relatively easy compositions) and a CD, which plays each of the pieces.

I wouldn't recommend it for a complete beginner. But perhaps someone who has had one to two years of lessons. Of course, it all depends on the individual. Some of the pieces are "easy" enough for a semi-beginner.

I, personally,love the book and have learned about 8 compositions since I bought it last March.

Kathleen

Judging by the Table Of Contents, that's a great selection of easy Chopin.

I definitely recommend getting it.

Only one left!

Mel

Alfred books are very well done. The content appears to be works at about a grades 5 or 6 level. Beginning Chopin but intermediate not beginner level pieces.

Yes, I have this one too, very well marked as I inherited all the piano music of my childhood teacher when she died. Mine has no CD, of course, but the price on it is $2.00!

I love the Palmer/Alfred editions of books and always buy one if it's available. I guess Palmer is no longer with us and (probably) no longer editing.

Nancy

Oh Nancy, isn't that sweet that your piano teacher left you all her music. I think that inherited music is in some ways actually more precious than bought music

Yes, I really do treasure it. It has all her markings in it, and it's wonderful to see her handwriting. I certainly was not her best student, but I kept up with her for the thirty years between my last lesson and her death. She lived to be 94.

Nancy

I have a similar book of Chopin that has a CD with 14 easy pieces. It’s a great book with big print and very easy to read the score. My teacher helped me with the first waltz in A minor which seems very easy but I found it hard to play the way it is supposed to be played. I agree with Kathleen that you need a few years of experince before starting on this book.

Nancy, at least your book is still in one piece. On mine, the cover fell off. I couldn't staple it back together, so I had to use duct tape (never be without this precious item) and created a "not too attractive binding." Two weeks later, the back cover came apart?? More duct tape. It now resembles something my dog was playing "fetch" with.

I would be embarrassed to let anyone see it, but it certainly looks well-used and well-loved.

My plan is to play all of the compositions within, but I'm afraid I'll have to buy a new book in order to do so.

Kathleen

Hi,

I have the Keith Snell book instead:

Chopin Book One

I'm not up to playing this yet, but it is on my llllooooonnnnnnggggg list of music to work on. LOL

Rich

Wow, 94! Mmmh, Kathleen, it looks as if you had to buy a new book, it won't survive that long

Patty