Diller Quaile Solo Book Volkwein’s Music

Angela Diller & Elizabeth Quaile – G. Schirmer, Inc.

The First Solo Book takes the student from the elementary to the early intermediate level with lyrical folk tunes and originals by the authors. Tunes are notated in the traditional fashion and phrasing is shown by slurs. Larger phrases are shown by brackets over the grand staff.  The First Solo Book begins with simple two-phrase tunes in middle C position. Hand positions vary throughout the book and pieces appear in the keys of C, G, D Major and A, D, and E Minor.  Other concepts introduced include articulations such as staccato, tenuto, and portato; various tempo marks and dynamics; and advancing rhythms such as dotted quarters followed by eighths and sixteenth notes. As in the primer book, Off We Go, the emphasis is on phrasing. Single harmony notes, harmonic intervals and triads are included in pieces in the second half of the book but are secondary to this method’s emphasis on phrasing and musicality. The First Duet Book provides a level-appropriate student part in the primo or secondo with a more advanced part for teacher, parent or friend.

The Second Solo Book begins at the early intermediate level and presents pieces progressively to the intermediate level. Besides folk tunes, original intermediate level pieces by composers such as Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann are included.  The first piece, St. Paul’s Steeple, is in D Major.  The keys of A and Bb are presented as are minor keys including A, E, and G. The Second Duet Book provides a level-appropriate student part in the primo or secondo with a more advanced part for teacher, parent or friend.