- 416 pages
- Size: 12″ x 9″
- ISBN: 793513294
Product Description
A comprehensive reference for all classical music lovers, the second edition of this fake book features 250 pieces added since the last edition. Imagine having one handy volume that includes everything from Renaissance music to Vivaldi to Mozart to Mendelssohn to Debussy to Stravinsky, and you have it here! We have included as much of the world’s most familiar classical music as possible, assembling more than 850 beloved compositions from ballets, chamber music, cho… More >>
The Classical Fake Book: Over 600 Classical Themes and Melodies in Their Original Keys
Tags: Book, Classical, Fake, Keys, Melodies, Original, Over, Their, Themes
I found the book heavy and awkward to handle. It would not stay propped up – in fact it did not fit in the space on my piano for music books. The print was much too small. There was a feeling of crunching in too much in too little space. I have other Fake Books which with I am completely satisfied. Unfortunately this did not fit the bill. I did return it as soon as possible.
Rating: 1 / 5
I think the last reviewer [January, 2007] succinctly cut to the chase on this one. Indeed, the print is small and I’ll add at once that while the appearance of LH chords ’seemingly’ make it easier to play, this can become an illusion forthwith because the pieces are written in their ‘original’ key and hence those fill in chords can become just as thorny! But read on!
Let’s face some facts here and noting again that I am the one who often urges doing certain classical pieces ’sic’ simply because of their original as written and unique to the piece “sound” BUT also ‘defending’ so-called ‘fake books’ for a very simple reason: the original piece can be extremely difficult to play! Anyway, if multiple sharps or flats tend to give you problems and not to mention the LH ’sic’ harmony, you may wish to look into those “easy play” arrangements of classical pieces where BOTH the harmony and melody are simplified. I’ve even heard this one [not bad!], “Well, I tend to prefer the, ehhh, ‘key transposition version’ [!] of certain classical pieces.” [read: a fake book!]
There is no ‘crime’ in playing “arrangements” and I’ve defended this many times and often to the chagrin of the ultra purists whose set in stone mantra seems to be, “Play it as written .. or not at all!” to which I quickly respond, BOSH! You play a piece, arrangement or otherwise as it is pleasing and acceptable to YOU! Case closed! Perhaps that is precisely why so-called “fake books” or “arrangements” are so popular and generally do a rather brisk business in their collective sales! Think about it! And also the ‘reason’ for same!
On the other hand, I also argue that in certain cases it is not ‘impossible’ to master the original piece essentially due to the unique sound of same! The “Moonlight Sonata” ["Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia" or as some say, "14-27-2"] comes to mind, first movement. Beautiful piece! A known and almost venerated war-horse, yes? Question: How difficult is it if one can place the LH pinky and thumb on the ‘arrangement’ version of the piece and that ‘arrangement’ opening twin D notes to just as well place the 5-1 fingers, as they say, on those two ‘as written’ C# notes! Conversely, instead of the ‘arrangement’ A-D-F for the RH thing, one does the G#, C#, E and puts the requisite effort into the piece from there! As written! It simply ’sounds’ better — the way Beethoven wrote it!
On the other hand, and you don’t consider yourself another Liszt or Evgeny Kissin [et al], when the piece can often cry out at least to you for an easier ‘arrangement’, why not! Hey, I also like our good friend Rachmaninoff too but when it comes to his pieces and I don’t have to go into piece names, well, ready? Pass the ‘easy play’ arrangement!
Question to consider is this: there are ‘arrangements’ and there are ‘arrangements’ ! Some can be ‘very’ complex, as this book is in its original key, while others afford a, shall we say, viable work-around. And let me lay this one on you, I know folks who can transpose keys as easy as they breathe [I myself can 'not' and my sight-reading skills decidedly need improvement ... much improvement!] yet, and here is my point, few if any who listen to the piece when transposed in key and unless you play ‘exclusively’ for professional classical pianists or classical music buffs gathered in your home, the ‘majority’ of non musical professionals will not, in all probability, be able to tell you which version is the ’sic’ original! And, let us say, social breeding will assist in those who do know the difference remaining mute.
See my point here? But then I return to square one, viz., are ‘YOU’ satisfied with ‘YOUR’ rendition of the classical [or whatever genre for that matter!] piece in question? Yes? That’s it then! And leaving the mastery of the ’sic’ score [both melody and harmony] entirely up to you! Where’s the problem with that!
Doc Tony
Rating: 3 / 5
Wow! This sheet music book is great! I have learned to play so many of my favorite classical favorites in very little time. I recommend this to everyone!
Rating: 5 / 5
I use this for cues, stings, and filler music for comedy and other theatrical performances. It’s mostly public domain, so it works well for live performance. I have fun just paging through and playing the lead sheets as well.
Rating: 5 / 5
The Classical Fake Book is a must item for those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of classical music. If I could own only one printed book about music, I would definitely choose the Classical Fake Book. And, if I were stranded indefinitely on a desolate island somewhere — particularly if I had my flute or recorder with me — there is NO doubt that the Classical Fake Book is the book I would choose to have in my possession. The Classical Fake Book would offer years — if not decades — worth of pure pleasure!
Rating: 5 / 5