Stories of the Great Composers , Bk 1: Short Sessions on the Lives and Music of the Great Composers with Imaginary Stories Based on Fact, Book & CD (Learning Link, Bk 1)

Did you know that Bach was more well-known as an organist than a composer in his lifetime? Did you know none of his compositions were discovered during his lifetime outside of the church where he worked?These and many other interesting facts are hidden in this book. Each composer's life story begins with his place of birth and the period of classical music he was born. Then the chapter continues with a brief biography of the composer. A short imaginary (but based on real facts) story about a day in the life of the composer keeps things interesting for the young readers. Finally, there is a 'mix-and-match' word game on the facts about that composer. The book also includes a CD with example of compositions (mostly the popular ones, not the ones that shows the unique style) from that composer.Overall this is a great introduction to classical composers for your young one, and sometimes for the parents as well. Alfred Music, a well known music related publisher, has a bunch of books that introduces classical music to the elementary students. This book is possibly the very first that young future classical music lover should be introduced to.Some areas of improvement for a later print:When introducing the composers, recall the book talked about the 'period of classical music' he was born in? But what are those periods of classical music? What was 'Baroque' and what was 'Classical' period?Also the example composition from the composer in the CD often seems to have been played on synthesizer, not a real instrument like organ or violin. I expected a better quality from Alfred. If you are worried about this aspect, play a real symphony-led piece after the CD example to your young one and let him/her find out the difference.Now, who discovered and introduced Bach's compositions to the world many after he passed away?Read this book and you will discover the answer.

The book is exactly what I was looking for - it has short 1 to 2 page summaries on the musicians themselves followed up with activity sheets and includes a CD to correspond with the different styles of music. However, the book is VERY short and in really bad condition - I bought a brand new copy and ended up with a book that was faded and looked like something I would've had sitting in my attic from twenty years ago. The only thing missing was the smell of dust and old. Was expecting that was professionally printed and in brand new condition.

this is a very nice book. This can be used for someone who just wants to learn more about classical music and great composers. We use it as part of our homeschool music curriculum. It has a nice CD that goes along with the book. My kids enjoy it. I would definitely recommend this to other homeschoolers or anyone who just wants to learn more about this subject.

This is a fun way for kids to get to know a little bit more about famous composers. I love that it comes with a CD of compositions from the composers that you can listen to during your studies. As an accomplished pianist myself who teaches piano lessons and homeschools, I love having this resource available to my students and my children.

I love this book. My niece has been playing classical music on piano. She plays incredibly, however one important factor missing from her lessons is the knowledge of the composers. Now she has a tool, a book and CD to learn about the amazing composers and the music she plays. I'm happy I purchased this book and she is as well. Thanks Amazon!!

Wonderful book. My kids are so interested in the stories, games and pictures.

Does not list who is in the book, so you have to look carefully at the cover pictures. It is a good book with much information. I wish they had made a 2nd to include more well known composers.

The book provides a very basic introductory level summary of each composer including birthdate, place of birth and style of music. There is a simple activity such as a wordsearch included with each lesson. The accompanying CD provides one composition for each composer to illustrate their style. Stories of the Great Composers is a fun and easy way to meet some of the greats.

Seemed like this book was photocopied. Poor visual quality.

学校の英語は退屈で苦手！という音楽好きの中学生のリーディング教材として購入しました。１２人の作曲家が取り上げられています。１人の作曲家について200語程度のバイオグラフィ（1ページ）、長いエピソード（700語くらい？）と30単語以内の短いマメ知識が2,3（計2ページ）、おさらいのワークシート（1ページ）がついています。中３で習う受動態（He was known xxx 彼は〜として知られていた）などもでできます。単語も比較的易しめですし、XXX was born in ... などは繰り返しでてくるので身につきます。内容は大人の私が読んでも面白いです。

Fabby..