Scales, Arpeggios, and Exercises
Last updated: 17.12.19
Paperback (December 1961), usually ships within 2-3 days.
Amazon Review
Reviewer: Walter Chang , California, USA
The Doningtons wrote this book to help players of recorders to
develop and hone to maturity the following essential skills:
fingering, breath control, and their coordination.
The exercises are divided into two sections. One section utilizes
the soprano and tenor recorders, and the second part is written
for the sopranino, alto, and bass recorders. Additionally, the
exercises progress from the easy to the very difficult.
This book does not contain just scales and arpeggios. The
authors also provide suggestions for fingering and breath control.
For example, the authors wrote on page 26: In changing from a'
to d'', keep a firm hold with the second finger of the left hand
and release the thumb and first finger simultaneously(supporting
the instrument with the right hand). Relax the breath pressure as
you go down to the low d'.
In conclusion, Doningtons' book is an excellent addition to the
library of players of the recorder. Before I play other
compositions for the recorder, I do preparation exercises from
this book.