Amazon.com editorial descriptions of this work:
Product Description: An internationally acclaimed collection of Scottish fiddle music and a guide to its performance by renowned Scottish fiddler Alastair J. Hardie. Contains an in-depth literary and pictorial survey of Scottish fiddling and 112 melodies with historical notes and substantial accompanying tutorial explanations such as bowing, fingering, phrasing, ornamentation, etc. Many of the authentic Scottish tunes is this book are not available in any other collection. The tunes at the beginning of the book assume a command of basic skills in playing and reading. Bowing, fingering and ornamentation peculiar to this music are then progressively introduced, equipping the player eventually with the technical know-how for tackling anything from Tullochgoram to the President. All the common major and minor keys are dealt with in turn and a system of fingering charts has been included to introduce them. Suggested bowings are included with the admonition that players with enough experience should decide on their own interpretation. The Caledonian Companion will appeal to the solo fiddler, the folk enthusiast, the devotee of traditional Scottish music and the classical violinist wanting to broaden his or her horizons. This set includes the associated album, Fiddler's Companion CD, illustrating tunes from this book. Featuring Tom Anderson, Aly Bain, Angus Grant, Alastair Hardie, Bill Hardie, Hector MacAndrew, Donald Stewart, playing the repertoire with which they are particularly associated: Aly Bain brilliant hornpipes and reels; Angus Grant West Highland pipe-derived style; Tom Anderson tunes of his native Shetland; Bill Hardie and Hector MacAndrew - some of their own compositions. Digitally re-mastered. 15 tracks. Running time 47:25 mins.