The sounds of September

Posted on 12 September 2011 · 2 Comments



It is turning into an agreeably musical autumn. As I move up a gear in my preparation for the two family concerts (see “Events” panel to the right), I am working a lot on Peter and the Wolf this week, but with an eye on Sinbad at the same time.

Meanwhile I have completed two more covers in the new Naxos children’s CD range. These will be released in November and will be a great introduction to the classics, with particular themes for each disc. Here you can see the Beethoven and the Piano albums. Dear old Ludwig was the hardest, as he isn’t easy to make approachable for children. In the end everyone decided to go with the wild tempestuous image of Romantic legend. I supposse it’s not so far removed from a toddler tamtrum!

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James Mayhew

James is the creator of the much-loved Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series and has written or illustrated many other books, including Koshka’s Tales, Mouse & Mole (by Joyce Dunbar) and Gaspard the Fox (by Zeb Soanes). Alongside his work in publishing, James performs live on stage during concerts for children, combining live classical music, storytelling and art.

2 responses to “The sounds of September”

  1. Jane Gray avatar
    Jane Gray

    I love these two illustrations, so different and both bursting with life! You’ve captured a playful jubilance in the first, and the fierce fireworks of Beethoven’s soul in the second.

    We had a Peter and the Wolf LP as children and listening to it painted vivid pictures in my head. They’ve faded a bit over the years though, so I’m looking forward to seeing a shiny new one!

    Reply
  2. Charlotte avatar
    Charlotte

    I remember my wonderful 4th year junior teacher introducing us to Beethoven. We listened to each movement of the Pastoral, talked about the pictures created by the music and then we wrote prose “poems” for each movement. I can still remember those lessons and have an affection for Beethoven as a result.

    I love the covers, may just have to purchase (not that I need any excuse to buy books and music) the piano cd for our boys. Trying to inspire the playing of a recently gifted instrument.

    Reply

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