The Orchestra

by Mark Rubin, Alan Daniel (Illustrator)

...an intelligent book, neatly executed, and just insouciant enough to maintain adult interest
-- The Toronto Globe and Mail The Orchestra , a non-fiction book for children, introduces musical instruments, basic musical concepts and the symphonic orchestra. The very straight-forward text is accompanied by playful, but accurate, drawings. A number of musical concepts are explored, among them harmony, tempo and dynamics. The role of the composer and conductor are explored and each musical instrument described. A subplot, apparent only through the illustrations, shows two children who wend their way through the orchestra's rehearsal, visiting the instrument families, and culminates in a full-dress concert. Comprehensive, but simple in its approach, the book combines solid information with an enjoyable format.

Genres: Music, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Luisa Knight]

A nice introduction to what it means to compose, what melody and harmony are, and a brief overview of all the main orchestral instruments.

Colorful, detailed pictures throughout.

Ages: 2 - 8

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Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[C. John Kerry]

Enjoyed this one. This is an introduction to the orchestra, its instruments and some other things. Although it is a children's' book, I found that I was learning some things as I read it. Considering that my home room in my last year of secondary school (grades 9 to 13) was the music room that is probably not bad. We follow some children as they get a behind the scenes look at what goes into the making of a concert to their attending the actual concert with their parents. All in all this book is a good introduction to the orchestra for younger readers, at least those who can read themselves as the amount of text may make it unsuitable for those who would need to have it read to them. However it is well illustrated so that may obliviate that problem to an extent. Anyway it is a likely a good addition to your children's library. Happy reading