MORE FAMOUS COMPOSERS

A follow-up to the Audie Award-winning Famous Composers, this delightful production focuses on portraits of Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and contemporary artist John Williams. Following the same successful formula as the first production, it provides interesting biographical facts about each composer, brief re-enactments from their lives, and pieces of important works. The pleasantly voiced Marin Alsop once again acts as musical tour guide, giving historical context and sharing engaging bits of information (did you know that Handel’s father didn’t want him to be a musician or that Rachmaninov had enormous octave-scaling hands?) while also calling our attention to interesting, illustrative moments in the music. Though clearly designed for children, this engaging audio experience is educational for a wide audience. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]