The Composer Is Dead (Book & CD)
by Lemony Snicket
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lemony SnicketIllustrator: Carson Ellis
Contributor: Nathaniel Stookey
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-03-03
ISBN: 0061236276
Number of pages: 40
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Reviews of The Composer Is Dead (Book & CD)
Book Review: A Valuable And Credible Guidebook For Kids Who Are Just Learning About The Orchestra
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember spending hours as a child listening to a recording of Benjamin Britten's "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," a wonderful road map to the orchestra's sections and instruments that, I still believe, is partially responsible for my later decision to learn the viola. Now Lemony Snicket (of A Series of Unfortunate Events fame) has put his own unmistakably snarky stamp on the symphony orchestra with THE COMPOSER IS DEAD, an introduction to the orchestra in the guise of a murder mystery.
When a composer turns up dead, a nattily dressed, supremely confident inspector is called into the case, determined to find the perpetrators "wherever they are lurking" in the orchestra. He interrogates the subjects by section, beginning with the strings (both "the First Violins, who have the trickier parts to play, and the Second Violins, who are more fun at parties"), continuing through the sneaky woodwinds, the brass (who play "in a boisterous manner," a phrase here that means "loudly and with a certain arrogant rudeness") and concluding with the percussion, who employ "xylophoniness and cymbalism." Finally, he makes an arrest --- only to be foiled by the orchestra itself, united at last.
As you can probably tell, especially if you've read any of Snicket's other works, THE COMPOSER IS DEAD is hardly a straightforward primer to the symphony. Almost every section --- including my beloved viola section, the butt of many an orchestra joke --- becomes a target of Snicket's acerbic wit. Adult readers, especially those who have played an orchestra instrument, will recognize that in many cases Snicket is lampooning not only the instruments but also the type of people who play them, from the party-loving trombones to the homebody tuba.
Despite (or maybe because of) the heavy overlay of humor, Snicket's guide is still a valuable and credible guidebook for kids who are just learning about the orchestra or who are preparing to attend their first concert. The book works well on its own, but it's especially valuable in conjunction with the impressively intricate and playful score (performed on an accompanying CD by the San Francisco Symphony, with and without narration provided by the author) written by young composer Nathaniel Stookey. Snicket, Stookey and illustrator Carson Ellis (probably best known for her album artwork for The Decemberists) make a wonderful team, working together to make a satisfying, delightful and enjoyably educational package --- kind of like the orchestra itself.
--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl
Summary of The Composer Is Dead (Book & CD)
There's dreadful news from the symphony hall?the composer is dead!
If you have ever heard an orchestra play, then you know that musicians are most certainly guilty of something. Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? Is the trumpet protesting a bit too boisterously?
In this perplexing murder mystery, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi, and nearly everyone is a musical instrument. But the composer is still dead.
Perhaps you can solve the crime yourself. Join the Inspector as he interrogates all the unusual suspects. Then listen to the accompanying audio recording featuring Lemony Snicket and the music of Nathaniel Stookey performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Hear for yourself exactly what took place on that fateful, well-orchestrated evening.
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