A Symphony of Stories

Following his previous book introducing classical music to a young audience, Once Upon a Tune, James Mayhew presents a further collection. Here we find more stories that have been taken by composers to be retold – or portrayed, through notes and instruments. For not everything has a story – The Carnival of Animals is a procession, and Mayhew brings it out of the music accompanying each animal with a short verse text, a perfect pairing. When he does retell a story, there are no words wasted – but the telling is lively, immediate and engaging. Young readers could listen to a piece with a clear idea of what the composer is conveying without the author pointing out details of instrumentation – as is so often the temptation. This is not a lesson, it is a joyous production that brings together the author’s commitment to telling a story and the music he loves. This music can then be found through the recommendations Mayhew includes at the very end of the book. There is more, Mayhew is an artist so in bringing together the words and the music he adds his vibrant illustrations. His colour saturated images spill off the pages. His use of lino cut prints and collage add texture and depth. Swirling brush strokes create dramatic movement as the city of Ys is drowned, as Ying Tai falls the join her lover, and The Firebird flashes overhead to rescue the prince from Koschei’s spell. Vignettes peopled with musical notes are subtle reminders of the score waiting for a listener.  This is indeed a storytelling adventure. The book closes with brief introductions to each composer and the piece Mayhew has chosen. Here the young reader can learn a bit more about the background, the reception of the piece and brings into focus the composers. This whole has exceptional production values – clear font, beautifully designed pages that instantly attract and engage and an immediately accessible voice. Nor should the price be a barrier. This is a book to last, to be used with families, with classrooms to welcome all listeners and widen horizons. Music is an exciting world in all its forms – and here we are reminded of that.