Famous Composers

by Darren Henley

Book by Henley, Darren

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Music, History, Audiobook

3 pages, Audio CD

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Darren Henley OBE is chief executive of Arts Council England. His two independent government reviews into music and cultural education resulted in England's first National Plan for Music Education, new networks of Music Education Hubs, Cultural Education Partnerships and Heritage Schools, the Museums and Schools programme, the BFI Film Academy and the National Youth Dance Company. Before joining the Arts Council, he led Classic FM for fifteen years. He holds degrees in politics from the University of Hull, in management from the University of South Wales and in history of art from the University of Buckingham. A recipient of the British Academy President's Medal for his contributions to music education, music research and the arts, his books include The Virtuous Circle: Why Creativity and Cultural Education Count and The Arts Dividend: Why Investment in Culture Pays.

Reviews

[Kristi Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful audible book on the lives of 6 famous composers for grades 3-6. Along with a biography of the artist there are samples of the composers works to introduce young people to classical music.

The composers are:1.Vivaldi
2.Bach
3.Mozart
4.Beethoven
5.Dvorak
6.Shostakovich

Each section explains the challenges and eccentricities of the famous composer and it will keep children entertained. Marin Alsop does a wonderful job of narrating along with the occasional sound effects thrown in for good measure.

I recently took a classical music course for adults and it awoke in me a new love of classical music and I believe this book could do the same for young people.

[Illiterate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too basic/childish for me.

[DMC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how the author chose these specific 6 composers (I get the first 4, but not the second 2), but it was an interesting audio book to hear. The content was kept at an appropriate level for the whole family even with some sticky personal situations (Vivaldi- I’m talking about you!). However, in some cases I wish it would have been more upfront on some issues- like making sure that even kids knew Stalin was a really really bad guy. Despite these small issues I had with the book, it was an entertaining look at the composers’ lives and how that influenced their music. Enjoyable and educational.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Adult book which introduces readers to six famous composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, Shostakovich, and Dvorak, along with a good sampling of their well known pieces. While written for a younger audience, the music should please anyone who appreciates classical music and is curious about some of these great composers.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audio book geared for young children but I found it delightful. The book examines the life and music of six great classical composers: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, and Shostakovich. The way the music plays along in the background enlivens the narrative and had me smiling much of the way through the biographies.

[Allison Anderson Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, understandable and simplified look into the lives of some of the most well-known composers. I even learned a thing or two!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook
Read by Marin Alsop

The audiobook was fantastic! We got to hear the stories behind the pieces of music as we listened to clips. It brought it all to life. Very kid friendly because it told the composers stories in an appropriate way, but perfect for adults too because it wasn't cheesy & I didn't feel talked down to. I liked it so much we'll be listening to More Famous Composers next.