Alfred Guitar Atlas: Russia (Book/CD)

Guitar Atlas: Russia explores the country's remarkable musical heritage. Russia has a deep and rich cultural tradition of artists, writers, musicians, and composers. The names "Tchaikovsky," "Mussorgsky," and "Rachmaninoff" may belong to the world, but these composers were Russian through and through.

Guitar Atlas: Russia covers everything from the music of Russian villages to the sacred tones and melodies adapted from ancient Byzantine modes. The book/CD set will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for Russian music and the truly unique culture is comes from.

Traditional Russian instruments, like the balalaika, domra, and 7-string guitar, are explained in detail, as well as the altered tunings and techniques designed to emulate them. Since Russian folk music is such an integral part of Russian culture, this book explores familiar work songs, epic songs of the Russian bards, and romances of the Russian gypsies.

Learning these Russian songs on guitar will enrich your repertoire and give you insight into the music that has inspired some of the greatest artists and musicians in history. By the time you're done, you will have gained a fresh perspective into one of the world's greatest musical traditions and see that passion is at the heart of Russian music. The CD includes all the examples and demonstrations featured in the book.