Story of The Orchestra

by Robert Levine

Eye-catching illustrations, engaging text and delightful musical selections on the accompanying 70-minute CD lead children ages 8 to 12 (and parents, too!) on an exciting and educational tour through the instruments and music of the orchestra. Illustrated in exquisite and colourful detail with over 100 original drawings and photographs, this package is a fun and exciting musical journey for children. the engaging text is broken into three sections: an introduction to each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani; the stories of famous composers from Bach to Stravinsky; and an explanation of different musical styles from Baroque to Modern. Each step of the way, children can listen to actual musical examples of what they are learning about. Young readers will hear the sound of an actual violin as they study the instrument and enjoy the playful tune of a Mozart minuet as they read about the composer's precocious exploits as a child.

Genres: Music, Childrens, Nonfiction, Picture Books

96 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great addition to our composer study.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the ochestra! The perfect amount of information! I like that the CD includes a sampling of so many different pieces and not the entire songs. I wish the CD included not just orchestra music pieces, but a narrative after each song. You have to sit down with your child to play the corresponding song to the pages in the book. It looks likes there is a newer version of this book, so maybe these updates are in that version.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! We really enjoyed this book. What a stellar introduction to the orchestra and its instruments, not only through the text and illustrations but (and this is so hugely important!) with the accompanying musical selections which are skillfully chosen to highlight the particular instrument being highlighted in any given section of the text. Although all selections are “classical” there is a wide variety of composers and styles and even my oldest, who would not normally choose to listen to classical music, really enjoyed the offerings. The selections are accessed online via the book's website. The text shares some history of music and the instruments themselves, briefly highlights a few composers, and explores each instrument’s place and strengths within the orchestra. I also appreciate the section about the conductor’s role (one which I’ve known to be important but always found somewhat mystifying). Highly recommend! (But sure wish it had a Bibliography!).
Do note that I have no experience with these instruments so I do defer to the reviews of those who do. However, from my perspective as an audience member, it was great.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the orchestra and will be an asset to my music class. The book is arranged in two parts, Part 1: The Composers and Part 2: The Instruments. Part 1 includes important composers from the different eras in classical music history and part 2 details the instruments in the orchestra, giving a full one page or two pages on each instrument. There is a lot of detail, good pictures, and I appreciate the listening selections and blurbs about what to listen for in the selections. My only two quibbles are that the author seems a little too fond of Wagner and I wish the book came with a CD in addition to the downloadable music selections.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says on the tin. This is a great introduction to the orchestra, for kids who already play instruments and for those who don't. It gives a brief overview of each instrument in the orchestra as well as highlighting some of the most famous composers from the Baroque Era to the Modern Era.

[Cheryl]

Too long for me to do more than skim, but I think maybe too superficial for a more interested reader. I suppose it is what it claims to be, an introduction. I do recommend following through on the suggested listening.

Feb. 2024

[Cala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read through a few pages at a time for third grade and kindergarten music. Goes through composers of different eras then orchestral instruments by section. Music selections to listen to for each page or section. Great book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's a great introduction to classical music and famous composers. I've read it with all my kids.

[Hannah Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource book I’m putting at the top of my list for classical music study!

[Willow]

Skimmed this and plan to use it in elementary grades with my youngest. A great resource for music history and appreciation!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and comprehensive introduction for the youngest of listeners, includes access to 37 selections! Great for use with age ranges 5 to 12. Love this book!!

[Tatyana]

Good morning basket book.

[Hattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic, accessible overview of the Orchestra! The accompanying tracks, interspersed throughout the book, give the reader a sampling of great classical composers and then each of the instruments that fills the orchestra. Enough to give a very solid foundation and whet the appetite for future listening. What a resource!