September, 2008
Quoted with permission
“In this DVD, Roy Sonne, an experienced teacher and member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, clearly demonstrates how to execute the technical and musical aspects of each phrase in printed order, apart from an early double-stop passage. This passage receives special attention towards the end of the disc, where Sonne offers students a very useful guide to practicing double-stopping and tackles the issue of highlighting a melody played with an accompaniment line.
Sonne's manner is clear, down to earth, gentle and approachable and, importantly, suitable for any age of student. He demonstrates a choice of bow articulations, illustrating the musical punctuation that they provide and, in turn, revealing how they characterize phrases. Sonne covers all the necessary areas that you would expect to be included in a lesson, although I wouldn't say that the DVD could replace direct contact with a teacher, since there are some specific technical areas that students might find difficult and need to be explained differently. But as an adjunct to a lesson, the DVD is invaluable.
. . . . . . I think this DVD would be useful to anyone learning the Accolay concerto. In some cases it will simply reinforce what has already been taught, but in others it could prove a revelation.”
JOANNE TALBOT