French Music for Accordion Volume 1 (Mel Bay Presents)

My skill level is probably plain old "intermediate"--andthis colors what I have to say about this book.I have been very pleased with this anthology. It hasbecome some of my favorite accordion music to play.First thing I did was to photocopy, cut and pasteso that there would be no awkward page turns.Print is large and legible, easy to read.There are a few editorial errors, but you'llhear those and correct them.What I like best about the book:1) offers good variety of forms: paso dobles, waltzes, tangos, polkas;2) there is a range of difficulty, but the pieces are mostly intermediate-level*;2.5) on the whole the arrangements are not puffed-up, inflated, or overly elaborate, andto me at least (never having heard an accordion in Paris) they sound"authentic"--if you 'cordion has a musette stop, absolutely necessary, IMHO;3) there is sufficient challenge at playing florid passages, triplets, etc.up to tempo, working out efficient fingerings, etc.;4) this music is occasionally harmonically more advanced (it has more sophisticated chords)than I was used to, so it has expanded my world a bit;5) mostly it's background music (as another reviewer said), not flashy solo stuff.6) good exposure to some of the "classical" French composers: Privat, Verschuren, etc.*Can't define it, but I know it when I see it.

My hubby was thrilled to get his hands on old parisian style music . The book was perfect.

This is a collection of tunes one could expect to hear on the subway, or streets of Paris. It is authentic and professionally scored. I opted to try some of the tunes this summer on the piano before trying out on the accordion. I do not have a musette accordion, but I had a little fun using the "musette" stop on my digital piano and found some tunes I really liked this way. I just spent two weeks in France and was always on the lookout for musette accordionistes. This collection consists of a variety of authentic waltzes, polkas, tangos, and sambas, and will give me inspiration to learn these on the accordion, even if I don't have a musette accordion. Very happy with this purchase!

DITTO to nearly every five star review in this list! This is has been my favorite anthology since I opened it and sight read a few of the waltzes and tangos! One of the most interesting points in these arrangements is how helpful they are building technique and subtly supporting learning a bit more music theory. Many of the tunes include arpeggios and runs that require a few tries to play smoothly, but the melodies are so delightful practicing them feels like dancing down the keyboard. The forms of each song move fluidly through minor and major keys, based on relationships that become understandable and aurally recognizable the more selections are practiced.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Hallar's arrangements. They are well done. Not at all watered-down, as one reviewer pointed out. Yet they are within reach for an intermediate player. I was so impressed with this book that I bought Vol. 2 as well. Vol. 2 is even better - maybe a notch up the difficulty scale with more modulations to unfamiliar key signatures and so on. But every piece has a nugget of worthwhile learning or two for you mind and your fingers as well as being fun to play and enjoyable to hear. Intermediate players - buy this book (and Vol. 2) and your listeners will thank you. Teachers - check this book out and thrill your students with some fun pieces to work on.

I'm now over a year working through this book as a new accordionist/long-time musician, and it still gets five stars. All of the arrangements I'm playing have that 'classique' sound and I don't think I've found any typos, which is rare in accordion books.Here is a suggested learning order by difficulty for any accordion novices:* Radio Valse* Fugitive* Au sommet du Cervin* En Coup de Vent* Isula di Sognu* Trompette Musette - Some unexpected left hand chords* Accordeon Samba - Right hand is more challenging here* Back to Bach - Nice bass runs* On Danse la Villette - A couple of tricky left hand jumps

Good compilation of accordion songs. Some of these songs were quite difficult, but overall I would say that the book ranges from Intermediate to Advanced. The song selections and arrangements were very nice. Volume 2 contains some excellent songs as well.

Very nice authentic arrangements of French musette pieces, not pop tunes. Just what I was looking for. Most pieces are appropriate for a person with intermediate skill on the accordion. Some pieces are more difficult. I am enjoying it very much.

Good

As described & on time Thanks

Excellent, easy arrangements of many classic songs. Various skill levels. An enjoyable music book to use to re-learn the accordion and regain skills.

Super A1 Thank's !

Excellent book but too advanced for me. I was hoping for something more suitable for a beginner!