THE TRUMPET BOOK

As in his books on the violin, the flute, and the clarinet and saxophone, Berger reviews the trumpet's origin and history, how it works and how it's made, a few famous players (mostly jazz, for good reason, but without much sense of the music), and some classical compositions with trumpet parts. Would-be musicians are told how to care for a trumpet and what to expect at their first few lessons, as well as how to listen to others: ""First and foremost, you should listen for the overall musical effect. . . . Finally, listen to the quality of the trumpet playing. How is the tone? . . . Does the player hide his or her breathing?"" As a writer Berger hides his breathing, but his playing is mechanical, more concerned with getting through a routine exercise than with conveying anything in particular.