Literature Review: Preparatory Kopprasch by Jeffrey Agrell

“What we do in The Millennium Kopprasch Series is to take the familiar and stretch it, that is, we take Kopprasch’s etudes and dramatically extend them in various ways (through this series) so that the millennium musician acquires the depth and breadth they need to survive and thrive almost two hundred years after those first original etudes were written.”
(From the introduction the Preparatory Kopprasch)

In continuing with the Millennium Kopprasch Series, Jeffrey Agrell, Professor of Horn at the University of Iowa, has produced another excellent resource for tackling these classic horn etudes. While his Harmony Kopprasch and Rhythm Kopprasch books are more for the student already familiar with the standard etudes, Preparatory Kopprasch introduces a student to these etudes with with a step-by-step approach.

By being purposely easier than the original, Preparatory Kopprasch not only gives students little snippets of Kopprasch but also gives a beginner course into learning the french horn (one fingering = one length tubing). Before the etudes begin, Agrell uses his signature writing style to clearly explain to students the ‘why’ behind each etude and breaks down the purpose of his arrangements and what to be aware of when working on these preparatory exercises.

A great feature to Preparatory Kopprasch is that all 60 etudes are covered, something not found in Agrell’s previous two books in this series. Although the Millennium Kopprasch Series is written for french horn, these etudes will greatly work for other instruments wanting to dive into the Kopprasch studies. All brass musicians should look forward to the future publications of this wonderfully organized and innovative approach to the Kopprasch studies.

Click here to see a sample from the book

Click here to purchase the book (also available on Kindle)

Click here to learn more about the book as well as other resources

Click here to read my review of Harmony Kopprasch Volume 1

Click here to read my review of Rhythm Kopprasch Volume 1

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Jeffrey Agrell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”