This is an exploration of creative and social processes behind community music making, focusing on traditional fiddling, in Maramures, north-western Romania. Simply and clearly expressed, so as to be accessible to all, this is the culmination of many years of research. The book comprises:-

• 18 pages (A4 landscape), plus title page and front and back covers, on quality paper, and tape-bound;
• Beautiful border drawings and decorations by folk artist Kenton Taylor;
• 13 photographs (5 in colour, 8 in black and white) including fiddlers, other musicians, and community participation;
• 8 pages of pictorial analysis based on conventional music notation and adapted to show the way in which the improvisational process can take place - accessible on different levels to those who don’t “read music”, as well as those who do to varying degrees;

The text is concise and carefully considered for accuracy as well as human and artistic integrity.

Why “Not The Maramures Tunebook”? Because looking at the tunes superficially has been done to death! Deeply beautiful, moving and life affirming as I find it, I believe this musical tradition to have far more to offer. The book is a challenge to take on board the relevance of this rich tradition in one’s own life, and where applicable, in one’s own music making.

Straight from my heart, I can tell you that I am very pleased with this book. It has taken over a decade since its original conception, to find a form I was satisfied with. I am really pleased with what has finally come out, with the help and support of Kenton (the illustrator) and Dave (technical genius, gofer and factotum!). The intention has never been to create a bestseller, but I really do hope that some people who have an interest in music, internationalism, people and communities, education and/or self-teaching, fiddle and/or violin-playing, getting to the heart of things and doing things differently if necessary, and much, much more, will buy this, read it, ponder it, enjoy it, and feel their lives enriched in some way.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR COPY

For your convenience, you can order directly from the publishers securely on-line using a debit or credit card, or by using your PayPal account. Please choose the appropriate button below depending on where the book is to be delivered:
Postage & packing is free for addresses within the UK, and charged at cost to Europe and the rest of the World. You will be shown the total cost before committing to buy. Once you have confirmed your purchase, we will endeavour to post your book by first class post within 24 hours. We realise that not everyone wishes to order on-line, so if you prefer to pay by cheque, please write to me, stating your name and address, that you wish to purchase a copy of Not the Maramures Tunebook, and enclosing a cheque for £10 (which includes UK postage and packaging) made out to Lucy Castle. I will wait for the cheque to clear and then send you a copy. If you have any questions, or would like a quote for purchasing more than one copy or for international postage, please email me at the following address: