The Story of Orchestra

I'm Orchestra Bob and I'm here to lead you on an exciting journey through he world of classical music. Listen, learn and enjoy as I cue powerful works from the greatest composers in the world.

Along the way I'll tell you wonderful and wacky stories about deaf composers, quirky musicians and the inspirations behind the great works.

You'll hear Wagner's powerful 'Ride of the Valkyries' and imagine the warrior goddesses on horseback storming through the battlefields. Beethoven will inspire you with selections from his two most famous pieces, the 5th and 9th symphonies, and Stravinsky will shock you with his eerie, 'The Rite of Spring'.

Then I'll introduce you to the beautiful instruments of orchestra, from common ones that you have probably seen and heard to rare and weird-looking ones that produce strange sounds. It's my honour to take you on this grand journey, and I think you'll find it as thrilling as I do.

Along the way you'll:
Listen to the greatest works in classical music and HEAR each instrument of the orchestra and LEARN fun facts about the music, composers and musicians including:
Bach wasn't famous until 100 years after he died
Some people think that years of playing the oboe can make you crazy
Beethoven was totally deaf by the time he wrote the famous 9th Symphony
The contrabassoon would be 5 metres tall if unwound.

Eye-catching illustrations, engaging text and delightful musical selections on the accompanying 70-minute CD lead children ages 8 to 12 (and parents, too!) on an exciting and educational tour through the instruments and music of the orchestra. Illustrated in exquisite and colourful detail with over 100 original drawings and photographs, this package is a fun and exciting musical journey for children.

The engaging text is broken into three sections: an introduction to each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani; the stories of famous composers from Bach to Stravinsky; and an explanation of different musical styles from Baroque to Modern.

Each step of the way, children can listen to actual musical examples of what they are learning about. Young readers will hear the sound of an actual violin as they study the instrument and enjoy the playful tune of a Mozart minuet as they read about the composer's precocious exploits as a child.

The Story of Orchestra
ABC Books
9780733323430
RRP: $24.95