Elementary Training for Musicians

by Paul Hindemith

(Schott). Originally published in the 1940s, Paul Hindemith's remakable textbooks are still the outstanding works of their kind. In contrast to many musical textbooks written by academic musicians, these were produced by a man who could play every instrument of the orchestra, could compose a satisfying piece for almost every kind of ensemble, and who was one of the most stimulating teachers of his day. It is therefore not surprising that nearly forty years later these books should remain essential reading for the student and the professional musician.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 1946

About the author

German composer, violist, violinist, teacher and conductor. In the 1920s, he became a major advocate of the Neue Sachlichkeit (new objectivity) style of music.
Notable compositions include his song cycle Das Marienleben (1923), Der Schwanendreher for viola and orchestra (1935), and opera Mathis der Maler (1938). Hindemith's most popular work, both on record and in the concert hall, is likely the Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber, written in 1943.

Reviews

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, hindemith might find these exercises "elementary", but i surely do not! a good friend of mine and i used to joke, whenever we came upon a difficult passage of music...."but, it's ELEMENTARY!" (in your strongest german accent).

all kidding aside, this is an essential workbook for anyone that calls themself a musician.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the greatest APPLIED theory text. This book will tighten up your pitch and rhythm control. As always, Hindemith is masterful and concise. A model pedagogue.

[Leonardo]

Pa pa pa pa papa pa pa

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possible the best music textbook I've ever seen. Going to be practicing these exercises for years to come.

[Yao X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for my conducting class. Hindemith was no doubt a fabulous musician - his exercises helped me a ton in getting the rhythms completely down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to hone in on their music theory, especially in the rhythm part. Beware - it gets hard faster than you think. I agree with what he said in the intro - if you can't master these skills, you don't deserve to be a musician. Period.

[Morris Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be called Serious Training for Musicians. Great book. Difficult. Comprehensive.