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Editor's picks

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  Masterpieces of Italian Violin Making (1620-1850)

  Book (Scarecrow Press)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Great book, great price

  Violin picture books are usually incredibly expensive. Not only is this one disproportionately inexpensive (for a violin book, which category uses a whole different $$ scale than most people use--$500 books are common) but it's beautifully done, with great photos, and a wide spectrum of important violins from important makers. This one is near the top of my list. 5/5 J. Darnton "Michael Darnton" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews, June 5, 2003

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  Okay, it's expensive...

  but any quality violin books of note will be, especially since they are printed in such limited quantity.Being a lover of the violin art form and the music, and not so much of a player, this book was highly recommended to me by Brian Newman of www.strad.com. I have been buying a few violins, I am learning to play, and may also view it as an investment. As an expert in the makes, makers, and periods of stringed instruments, Brian recommended that I study this book along with a few others to get a true idea and to develope and "eye" for the Italian look and style. Superbly photographed and reproduced, this is a must have for any lover of the violin music or art form.With countless fakes and worthless copies out there, I have gained a little more insight as to what to look for and what to "look out" for in regards to authenticity.I'm sure I'll never own an authentic strad or Maggini, but there some wonderful Italian, both early and modern, makers out... 5/5 circa1850 (North Carolina) - See all my reviews This review is from: Masterpieces of Italian Violin Making (1620-1850) (Hardcover) but any quality violin books of note will be, especially since they are printed in such limited quantity.Being a lover of the violin art form and the music, and not so much of a player, this book was highly recommended to me by Brian Newman of www.strad.com. I have been buying a few violins, I am learning to play, and may also view it as an investment. As an expert in the makes, makers, and periods of stringed instruments, Brian recommended that I study this book along with a few others to get a true idea and to develope and "eye" for the Italian look and style. Superbly photographed and reproduced, this is a must have for any lover of the violin music or art form.With countless fakes and worthless copies out there, I have gained a little more insight as to what to look for and what to "look out" for in regards to authenticity.I'm sure I'll never own an authentic strad or Maggini, but there some wonderful Italian, both early and modern, makers out... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 27, 2006

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  Excelltion Book. Great Pictures!

  This is one of the best violin books that I've seen. It offers beautiful photos and useful (and concise) information. The book features the works of a variety of Italian violin makers. The best part about this book is the price. Most violin books with this quality of photos will run over $500. 5/5 T. Oh (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews, September 15, 2004

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  List Price: $161.70
  

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  Italian Violin Music of the Baroque Volume 2 - Compiled by Brainard - Henle Verlag URTEXT Edition

  Musical Instruments (G Henle Verlag)
  List Price: $57.95
  Price: $52.16
  You Save: $5.79 (10%)

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  Violins and Violin Makers Biographical Dictionary of the Great Italian Artistes, their Followers and Imitators, to the present time. With Essays on Important Subjects Connected with the Violin.

  eBooks
  List Price: $0.00
  

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  Italian Violin Sonatas: Fabio Biondi/Europa Galante

  Music (Virgin Veritas)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  All roads lead back to Rome - and Corelli

  The liner notes give a colorful history of the five "minor composers" of the Italian violin virtuoso era featured on this CD - revealing a fascinating commonality (beyond the fact that all their names end in the letter "i"). And this was that they all seeem to have been guided, metaphorically at least, to Rome and Arcangelo Corelli. All studied his methods, modelled his style and payed homage to his legend in their compositions seen here on this sampler of a few not-so-famous Italian violin sonatas. Like Corelli, many of these composers wrote brilliant concerto grossi in the spirit of the master. But the less exaulted sonatas here are no less musically interesting - especially when played by one of the masters of the Italian Baroque, Fabio Biondi.The lead Amazon reviewer above summarized this CD well, so no need to repeat much, other than to say that the collection of violin sonatas here are wonderfully played with the typical verve, artistry, expressivity and sensuous... 5/5 Alan Lekan (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews, November 26, 2005

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  Want Some Fiery Fiddling?

  "Felefeber" is a Scandinavian word for fiery fiddling, and that's what Fabio Biondi has to offer on this disk - virtuosic bow-work on his Baroque violin, with stunning use of double stops and the full tonal potential of gut strings. I know I've given out a lot of five-star reviews to Baroque ensembles lately, so I'll have to give this disk 6 or 7 to distinguish it. The big surprise for me is the Pysche suite by Michele Mascitti, a composer I'd never encountered before. It's fresh, eccentric, complex, and intellectually as well as sensually satisfying. The continuo of organ, cello, and theorbo is both brilliantly supportive of the fiddle-fire and at times independently expressive. The A minor sonata by Francesco Geminiani is also powerfully shaped and full of affect. If your sense of the Baroque violin repertory is centered on Vivaldi, you will be very delightfully surprised to hear how different the same musical language could sound when "spoken" by other Italian virtuosi.This... 5/5 Customer Formerly Known as Giordano Bruno - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian Violin Sonatas: Fabio Biondi/Europa Galante (Audio CD) "Felefeber" is a Scandinavian word for fiery fiddling, and that's what Fabio Biondi has to offer on this disk - virtuosic bow-work on his Baroque violin, with stunning use of double stops and the full tonal potential of gut strings. I know I've given out a lot of five-star reviews to Baroque ensembles lately, so I'll have to give this disk 6 or 7 to distinguish it. The big surprise for me is the Pysche suite by Michele Mascitti, a composer I'd never encountered before. It's fresh, eccentric, complex, and intellectually as well as sensually satisfying. The continuo of organ, cello, and theorbo is both brilliantly supportive of the fiddle-fire and at times independently expressive. The A minor sonata by Francesco Geminiani is also powerfully shaped and full of affect. If your sense of the Baroque violin repertory is centered on Vivaldi, you will be very delightfully surprised to hear how different the same musical language could sound when "spoken" by other Italian virtuosi.This... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 4, 2007

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  The Italian Fiddler at His Best

  I can't overstate the importance of these contemporary recordings of Italian music by Italian bands. It may be cliched to say that it takes an Italian to properly perform Italian music, but in this case it certainly seems to be the case. The sense of drama is so effective: the facility with which this group can drop from fortissimo to pianissimo, the timing of dramatic pauses, the variation in articulation, etc. There is a very advanced and improvisatory approach to ornamentation and vibrato (a much more liberal, but yet tasteful use of the latter than is found in the Northern-European recordings of this music). This is really the showcase album for Europa Galante's leader Fabio Biondi and his terrifying virtuosity and artistry. The only thing more terrifying than this intense and ferocious music is when it is placed in the hands of fiddler with such great music taste and control. 5/5 Timothy D. Hinck "Baroque keyboard instructor... (Chattanooga, TN USA) - See all my reviews, February 25, 2008

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  List Price: $16.98
  

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  Huxley on Huxley

  Movie
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  A Vision of Aldous Huxley

  Huxley on Huxley is a warm and moving dual portrait of Aldous and Laura Huxley through Laura's poignant recollections of her famous husband who authored the most influential novel of the 20th Century, Brave New World. Aldous was a prophet and his future world of the year 2,600 is here now. Aldous was a brilliant philosopher as well, helping to popularize eastern mysticism, which bloomed in the 1960s and remains as strong as ever. Yet, what is most remembered about him by those who knew him was his humility and profound kindness. He could have been rich but chose to give help to others and did so modestly with no publicity. This is the man that Laura shows viewers. And Laura Huxley was as formidable as Aldous--an accomplished concert violinist, and author of self help books long before her best sellers had their own category in book stores. She is our guide in this moving documentary crafted lovingly by Mary Ann Braubach who enlisted very willing accomplices such as narrator Peter... 5/5 David Garrett Izzo - See all my reviews This review is from: Huxley On Huxley (DVD) Huxley on Huxley is a warm and moving dual portrait of Aldous and Laura Huxley through Laura's poignant recollections of her famous husband who authored the most influential novel of the 20th Century, Brave New World. Aldous was a prophet and his future world of the year 2,600 is here now. Aldous was a brilliant philosopher as well, helping to popularize eastern mysticism, which bloomed in the 1960s and remains as strong as ever. Yet, what is most remembered about him by those who knew him was his humility and profound kindness. He could have been rich but chose to give help to others and did so modestly with no publicity. This is the man that Laura shows viewers. And Laura Huxley was as formidable as Aldous--an accomplished concert violinist, and author of self help books long before her best sellers had their own category in book stores. She is our guide in this moving documentary crafted lovingly by Mary Ann Braubach who enlisted very willing accomplices such as narrator Peter... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 25, 2010

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  Solid for Huxley aficionados

  Good stuff, a lot here I never knew about Huxley and a great glimpse at that whole group of intellectuals who Huxley associated with. 4/5 Van A. Boyd Jr. "cableguns" (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews, August 19, 2010

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  Huxley on Huxley

  Loved this film. Learned an incredible amount of information! Didn't know that much about the Huxley family, except for the basics, and was pleasantly surprised at the detail the filmmakers took the time to present. And the Jim Morrison connection is GREAT! I highly recommend this movie! You will not be disappointed! 5/5 David - See all my reviews This review is from: Huxley On Huxley (DVD) Loved this film. Learned an incredible amount of information! Didn't know that much about the Huxley family, except for the basics, and was pleasantly surprised at the detail the filmmakers took the time to present. And the Jim Morrison connection is GREAT! I highly recommend this movie! You will not be disappointed! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 12, 2010

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  Pugster Music Theme Violin Italian Charm Bracelets Gift

  Jewelry (Pugster)
  List Price: $22.64
  Price: $3.99
  You Save: $18.65 (82%)

  Size (mm): 10.32*9.24*4.07

  Weight (gram): 1

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  Italian Violin Waltz Valzer Lento Per Violino

  Digital Music Track (Rock City)
  

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  Sound Touch Lite

  Mobile Application (SoundTouch Interactive)
  

  Rating (27 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  I recommend this for kids of all ages!

  This is a great activity for children of many ages. My 10 month old and my 2 year old both love it. Its great for a doctor's office or anytime that you're trying to distract the kids. However, the voice part of it doesnt work. It says the name of a different animal, then makes the noise of the animal you touched- confusing. But if you turn the voice part off & just listen to the sounds it works great! 4/5 kayte18 - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sound Touch Lite (App) This is a great activity for children of many ages. My 10 month old and my 2 year old both love it. Its great for a doctor's office or anytime that you're trying to distract the kids. However, the voice part of it doesnt work. It says the name of a different animal, then makes the noise of the animal you touched- confusing. But if you turn the voice part off & just listen to the sounds it works great! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 18, 2012

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  lol

  I don't got no kids I bought this 4 the heck of it I'm 10 this Thang is soo fun!!!! 5/5 J.Rodriguez - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sound Touch Lite (App) I don't got no kids I bought this 4 the heck of it I'm 10 this Thang is soo fun!!!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 15, 2012

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  Stupid

  I thought this would help challange my nephew who is going to be two but he knew all the sounds. it was too easy and pointless. plus it took so long to download and I ended up deleting it so who :ever wants to get it its. simply a waste of time. 1/5 C. Warner - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Sound Touch Lite (App) I thought this would help challange my nephew who is going to be two but he knew all the sounds. it was too easy and pointless. plus it took so long to download and I ended up deleting it so who :ever wants to get it its. simply a waste of time. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 8, 2012

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  List Price: $0.00
  

  Help your child learn animal, music, and household words

  Enjoy crisp photography and realistic sounds

  Create associations between images, sound, and words

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  Violin Glass Figurine

  Jewelry (Italian Charms Bracelets INC)
  

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  Bontempi - Clarinet

  Toy (Bontempi)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (3.9/5)

  

  A good inexpensive choice for a preschooler

  Our three year old loves this good looking (for plastic)silver toy clarinet that allows him to play along with his favorite classical CD's (he's a big Baby Einstein fan). For the price it's definitely worth the fun it's facilitated. We've got the whole set (clarinet, trumpet, and sax). The sax has made it through four months of regular use (not being used as a substitute toy drum though) with no defects- the other two instruments have each had a single button/key break. 4/5 Robert H. Gersky - See all my reviews, May 12, 2007

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  Amusing Toy Clarinet

  The "Botempi" toy clarinet seems a reasonably sturdy plastic toy instrument. It plays a C-Major scale, though the lower half-octave is of dubious tuning. This can be a problem if one wishes to use the toy clarinet in conjunction with other instruments (a toy piano or toy trumpet, for example). I'm a composer, and I wrote a little piece for this toy clarinet, the "Botempi" toy trumpet, the "House of Marbles" toy drum (highly recommended), and a Schoenhut toy piano (a fine instrument). I found that I was only able to reliably use the upper half-octave (G to C) of the toy clarinet when accompanying the toy piano or even the toy trumpet.The sound of both the "Botempi" toy wind instruments is close to that of the harmonica (actually, it's a cross between an harmonica and the medieval crumhorn), so don't expect a "clarinet" sound. Still, it's easy to use and sturdy, assuming gentle play. If you don't need the pitches to be accurate, and you don't need a toy clarinet that... 3/5 Karen A. Amrhein "Karen A." (Baltimore, Maryland) - See all my reviews, June 28, 2010

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  Cheap toy

  Have you ever gone to a dollar store and seen the cheap toy musical instruments they sell? They usually sell for maybe $3.99. Well, that's what you are looking at now, except they are charging $15.89. I orderered this as well as the saxaphone and trumpet for my 4-year-old son. When the package arrived last night and I opened it I was completely disgusted in how I had wasted my money. This toy is so cheaply made, even the box it was enclosed in is cheap. I am debating returning it or giving it to my son. I know because of how cheap the toy is made it'll be broke within a week. 4/5 April Lapetoda "mommy of 2 boys" (Andrews AFB) - See all my reviews, March 10, 2009

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  List Price: $16.99
  

  Measures 16.5" long

  This toy clarinet by Bontempi has eight color-coded keys that can play eight different notes and children can play along with songs that are printed on the box

  For the budding musician - a silver clarinet for your home orchestra or marching band

  The toy clarinet is plastic and has a shiny silver finish

  Fun to play and pretend

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