The selection of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others in Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music, from The Secret Mountain, introduces children to classical music through the discovery of the melodious similarities between notes produced by instruments such as the flute, the organ, and the harpsichord and the birds’ songs. In addition to the illustrations by Cecilia Varela, the 64-page book features a glossary of musical terms, a short biography of each composer, and a brief description of each bird evoked or mentioned in the composition.
The accompanying CD offers excerpts of 20 different recordings, ranging from The Goldfinch, Hens and Roosters and The Dance of the Swans to The Cuckoo and the Nightingale, Piano Concerto N, and Dance of the Firebird. These recordings are performed by world-class luminaries including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Chamber Orchestra.
Originally published in Mexico, the English language edition is available in the U.S. on May 15 and Canada on May 28.
The author, Ana Gerhard, was born in Mexico. She studied as a concert pianist at the Mexican National Conservatory. As well as giving concerts and teaching the piano, she has hosted radio and television programs designed to introduce the public to classical music.
