THE ORCHESTRA Paperback/CD

What's included:

• The Orchestra (Q758) by Mark Rubin, illustrated with whimsical watercolors by Alan Daniel, is a superb introduction to classical music and the instruments of the orchestra for K/Elem.-Middle School. The clear and engaging text begins by discussing the nature of music and the great breadth of feelings and ideas that are expressed through classical music. It goes on to explain the process of composition and the basic musical concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and tone color. The text then describes the four main families of orchestral instruments and introduces each of their individual members, and concludes with the role of the conductor, bringing music and musicians together in a grand concert finale. Alan Daniel’s accompanying drawings of the musicians and their instruments are not only technically accurate, but also full of personality and imagination. The complementary visual storyline about two children being guided through an orchestra’s rehearsal provides additional action, interest, and fun. 48 full-color pages.

• The accompanying CD: The Orchestra CD (5120) on which Peter Ustinov narrates the complete Mark Rubin book. Ustinov (a musician himself) discusses the nature of musical sounds and feelings in language a child can understand, and introduces the instrumental families and individual instruments of the orchestra (highlighted with solo excerpts from classical works).
  The CD includes excerpts of 28 classical works, performed by the Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Walter Babiak. Works include such favorites as Rossini's William Tell Overture, Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Beethoven's Symphonies #5 and #9, Dvorak's New World Symphony, and Grieg's Norwegian Dance #2.
  This award-winning CD is highly recommended, and with the book offers a beautiful introduction to classical music and instruments for children of all ages. Winner of Parents' Choice Gold Seal Award and American Library Association Notable Recording.