RABBIT EARS TREASURY OF WORLD TALES, VOLUME 4 The Firebird, The Emperor's New Clothes

As Susan Sarandon narrates the Russian tale "The Firebird," her near-whisper of a voice transforms magically into many characters--from the hapless archer Ivan to his majestic companion, the Horse of Power, to the evil Czar. Mark Isham's original music enhances the sense of another world and time created by Sarandon. In the second story, the incomparable Sir John Gielgud drolly narrates the emperor's timeless tale of narcissistic folly. Gielgud's wise British voice brings alive the emperor's silly vanity and insecurity as he pretends to gloat over his nonexistent attire. Once again, Mark Isham's music provides the perfect backdrop, sometimes shimmering in silky tones, other times trumpeting the fanfares of the courtly world in which the story is set. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]