Famous Composers Audiobook By Darren Henley cover art

Famous Composers

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Famous Composers

By: Darren Henley
Narrated by: Marin Alsop
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Following on the success of The Story of Classical Music, Darren Henley and Marin Alsop combine forces again to tell, in more detail, the lives of six key composers: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, and Shostakovich. Their colourful lives and their love of music are told against the backdrop of some of their finest works, an ideal combination.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. History Music Music & Performing Arts Entertainment

Editorial reviews

Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorak, and Shostakovich make up this delightful introduction to famous composers, an Audie-nominated production filled with re-enactments, musical excerpts, and facts on the six composers. Adult or child can certainly gain an understanding about the composers' lives, as well as the relevance of their music. Some information may elude the listener, such as particular music cues in each excerpt, but one can't help walking away with a better appreciation of music overall. While the accents seem unnecessary, the reenactments prove to be a good vehicle for educating listeners. Marin Alsop narrates the text in a light and welcoming voice that creates an enjoyable atmosphere for learning.

Critic reviews

  • 2005 Audie Award Winner, Original Work
2005 Audie Award Winner, Original Work

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Would have enjoyed more details, but an interesting overview of these great composers. Easy enough story I may have my granddaughter listen to it as well.

Light, but interesting

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love it, great starter for kids.

I don't know why another reviewer is saying that the composer's names are not mentioned (which is not true at all). I am so happy I bought this rather than mis leaded by that review.

Not only the composers' names are clearly mentioned, the story is dramatised, the music and story are beautifully connected together. Whatelse do you expect from a educational and entertaining audio book for kids!

I would recommend this to all my friends.

love it, great starter for kids.

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What does Marin Alsop bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This audiobook helped me & my kids understand better about famous musicians with corresponding music here & there while we are on the road. My 7 year old boy is enjoying this audiobook so much in the car, listening to the stories of famous musicians and their musics. Fantastic! Love it!

amazing!

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This short audio book was geared for young listeners but I thoroughly enjoyed it as I am quite ignorant when it comes to classical music. I was provided with a short concise history and overview of five main composers. I listen now with a more practiced ear!

Classical Music for Dummies

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This is a great beginner's guide to classical music and famous composers. The good use of narration, dialogue/role-play, songs and sound effects make this a well-executed audiobook.

Enjoyable

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The description should state that this is intended for children, not adults.

Disappointing

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I listened to the first 25 minutes of the book and gave up. It begins by telling an anecdote, but not naming the composer. Then a short snippet of music. This gets repeated for more unnamed composers. Seems like a juvenile way of beginning what I hoped would be informative biographies. Very unsatisfactory.
Stan Beattie

Juvenile telling

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The description shoud say intended for elementary age children.

Entertaining but clearly intended for children

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