Saturday, June 26, 2004

Play to the Angel



Play to the Angel by Maurine F. Dahlberg, 2000
...a tiny blue-gowned angel doll was suspended from the ceiling by two nearly invisible threads, so that she looked as if she was flying...He smiled proudly. "she is one of the few things that I brought from Germany. She loves piano music, so I put her where I can play to her. And you must play to her too. Let your sound project and your feelings come through to my little angel. Can you do that?"

Greta Radky loves to play the piano. In Vienna, Austria, in 1938, the shadow of Hitler and Nazi Germany looms over their lives. Greta's brother, a talented and promising young pianist has recently died. She finds comfort sorting through his music, Scarlatti, Schumann, Bach, Chopin and Clementi. Her mother's grief is so deep that she cannot stand listening to Greta practice and is talking about selling the piano. Greta finds the strength to pursue her talent with the support of the mysterious Herr Hummel, a wonderful piano teacher who recognizes her gift. Play to the Angel , 2000, is a sensitive story of hope and courage in dangerous times. The author, Maurine F. Dahlberg studied piano and plays piccolo and flute. Her knowledge of music and musicians gives the story authenticity. This is the kind of story that inspires young readers to study music. I loved this book.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this book and I am also a piano player

Camille said...

I don't think enough folks read this book. Having musicians in my own family, I found the story and music the themes to be very very real!

Anonymous said...

This is a really great book. All my friends are asking to read it right after I finish it. More pepole need to read this book.

Camille said...

I agree that it is a very enjoyable read.

Unknown said...

I like this book I think that every one needs to read this book.

Anonymous said...

I'm reading this novel in my english class

Anonymous said...

This really is a great book; it's one of my favorites. I don't like the fact that it's not too well known. more ppl need to read it.