Monday, June 27, 2005

Music

Music is well said to be the speech of angels -- Thomas Carlyle

Thank goodness for young musicians who perfect their embouchures, relax their jaws, curl their fingers over the piano keys, improve their pitches and rhythms, practice countless scales and intervals and put in h-o-u-r-s of practice and rehearsal.

Posted by Hello
We attended a young artist performance at The International Festival-Institute at Round Top on Saturday. The musical performances were fresh and full of life. I have not attended many chamber music concerts so the pieces were new to my ears.



It has been several years since my last visit so I was amazed at the on-going enhancement of the concert hall. I saw the crystal plate that inspired the wooden lattice design on the ceiling and learned it takes 36 saw cuts to produce one of the countless diamonds that line the walls. The whole day was a treat for the senses.

It put me in mind of children's fiction that focuses on young musicians and their passion and commitment.



The bat boy & his violin
by Gavin Curtis ; illustrated by E.B. Lewis, c1998
A young boy's love for his violin is a concern for his father who manages a team in the National Negro League and would prefer that his son focus on baseball. Lewis's fragile water colors lend poignancy and an exquisite beauty to the story.



The gorillas of Gill Park
by Amy Gordon, c2003
Music in a park, an amazing tree house, gorilla costumes and baseball. More




Lookin' for Bird in the big city
by Robert Burleigh ; illustrated by Marek Los, c2001
What if...teenagerMiles Davis went on a search for Charlie "Bird" Parker in NYC?



The Mozart season
by Virginia Euwer Wolff, c1991
A book that inspired at least one musician I know. A young violinist prepares for a music competition.



Zin! zin! zin! a violin
by Lloyd Moss ; illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, c1995
A classic about the orchestra and the joy of playing music together.



Play to the angel
by Maurine F. Dahlberg, c2000
WWII, a brother's death, a young girl's talent and love for the piano. More



Handel, who knew what he liked
by M.T. Anderson ; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, c2001
Music teachers' favorite, delightful story, lively illustrations from the incomperable Kevin Hawkes

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