Recommended Sheet Music,
Simon Fischer: Transcriptions for Violin and Piano
Violinist Simon Fischer is known throughout the world for his acclaimed violin methods published by Edition Peters, and now presents his brilliant and idiomatic transcriptions for violin and piano in his latest publication. The works are well-known pieces from the classical repertoire, and are perfect as encores or as part of a mixed recital. Arrangements of eight pieces by Dowland, Purcell, Rossini, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Johann Strauss II will delight audiences and provide satisfying playing material for violinists. The violin parts are idiomatic, and demonstrate the virtuoso potential of the instrument. Ossia alternatives for technically challenging moments are also included. Video performances by Simon Fischer are available online, and can also be found below.
In the preface for this book, Simon explains:
'It is fascinating how a piece of music can gain or reveal new qualities when transposed on to a different instrument. On the piano, the Chopin Waltz Op. 34 No. 1 is normally played at a fast or very fast tempo, but on a sustaining instrument a much slower tempo is possible. This immediately opens up new dimensions of expression: emotional nuances which were there all the time but barely noticeable when played at speed – just as, when you walk more slowly through a garden, you discover more flowers to appreciate...'
'...A measure of whether a transcription is successful or not lies surely in the extent to which players or listeners can forget that it is a transcription in the first place. In other words, whether it succeeds as a piece of music in its own right. I hope you will agree that all these arrangements lie naturally on the violin and offer a chance of playing some old masterworks in a new form. '
About Simon Fischer
Simon Fischer is not only recognised as an acclaimed educator, but also as a distinguished violinist. Alongside performances of standard repertoire he entertains audiences by performing his own transcriptions of famous works by composers such as Johann Strauss, Mendelssohn, Purcell, Rossini and Tchaikovsky. He has been a frequent soloist with major orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, and the Philharmonia, as well as being a professor at the Guildhall School of Music
Published by Edition Peters, his technique books Basics, Practice, Scales, and The Violin Lesson have become standards for teaching on many continents. In 2014 Simon was awarded the European String Teachers Association prize "In celebration of a lifetime contribution to String Teaching".
Purchase the new publication here:
Music by Dowland, Purcell, Rossini, Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn, Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Johann Strauss II.
Available Format: Sheet Music
View Simon Fischer performing his own transcriptions below:
John Dowland: Lachrimae
Purcell: Chacony in G minor
Rossini: Overture from "The Barber of Seville"
Tchaikovsky: Waltz from "Sleeping Beauty"
Felix Mendelssohn: Andante from Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 107 "Reformation"
Chopin: Grande Valse Brilliante
Johann Strauss II: Voices of Spring
Other Publications by Simon Fischer
Three-hundred exercises and practise routines to develop all aspects of violin technique.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Two hundred and fifty step-by-step practise methods for the violin.
Available Format: Sheet Music
At last, a work of etiquette that not only offers all the scales and arpeggios over two, three and four octaves, but also the necessary tools to master them. An equally original and effective textbook.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Comprehensive, innovative approach to working out and perfecting all important areas of violin technique - from correct posture and bowing technique to intonation, change of position and vibrato. Divided into twelve practise-oriented and easy-to-understand lessons.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Ellena Taylor - Sheet Music and Books Manager
