The Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night's Dream

The Story Orchestra: A Midsummer Night's Dream brings to life the enchanting tale penned by William Shakespeare and brilliantly composed by Felix Mendelssohn. This captivating book whisks readers away to ancient Athens, where the preparations for the Duke and Queen's marriage are underway. However, not everyone is as joyous, setting the scene for a magical midsummer's night filled with the mischievous antics of fairies, the earnest performances of lively actors, and the romantic escapades of young lovers in the nearby enchanted woods. As you traverse through the beautifully illustrated pages, you and your little one will be invited to press the interactive buttons that activate delightful sound clips from Mendelssohn's evocative score. This interactive feature not only enhances the storytelling experience but also serves as a wonderful introduction to classical music for children. Towards the end of the book, readers will find an insightful biography of Felix Mendelssohn, offering a glimpse into the composer's life and the creation of his magnificent piece, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Adjacent to this, there is an opportunity to replay the enchanting musical excerpts and delve into an exploration of the instruments, rhythms, and musical techniques that contribute to the composition's remarkable power. The glossary included provides definitions for various musical terms, aiding in the educational journey. The Story Orchestra series is celebrated for its ability to bring classical music stories to life through stunning illustrations paired with brief, yet captivating, orchestral sound clips. Other titles in the series include Four Seasons in One Day, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Carnival of the Animals, The Magic Flute, In the Hall of the Mountain King, I Can Play (vol 1), The Planets, and Peter and the Wolf. Manufacturer's note: Please ensure you pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. The sound buttons require a firm push in the exact location to function, which might be challenging for very young children. Each sound clip lasts for approximately 10 seconds.