Mes Premières études en duo

Valérie Bime-Apparailly’s My First Studies, To Play Together for Violin.

Published by the Editions Leduc, Valérie Bime-Apparailly’s instrumental beginner books – such as ‘Je débute le violon’ and ‘Mes premières doubles cordes en chansons’ – have enjoyed overwhelming popularity since the day they were published. This excellent educator here turns her attention to the delicate matter of studies: how can these pieces be made less tedious for young violinists? With a crisp, clear design enhanced by drawings and carefully crafted explanatory notes, the MyFirst Studies, To Play Together collection for Violin takes away the dreariness of these pieces, giving them, beyond their technical importance, a musical charm that appeals to 2nd and 3rd year students.

The adaptation of the Marche en rondeau, which opens Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s ‘Te Deum’, allows players to discover the subtleties of the dal segno; the author also reminds us that this tune gained fame as the Eurovision credits song. These pieces, some of which are original, some of which borrow from the classical repertoire (Mozart, Spohr, Beethoven) or from works of great teachers like Charles de Bériot and Frédéric Berr, familiarise violinists with musical concepts as basic as syncopation or bowing indications without sacrificing the pleasure of playing music.