A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra's Alphabet cover art

A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra's Alphabet

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A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra's Alphabet

By: Lera Auerbach, Marilyn Nelson
Narrated by: Thomas Quasthoff
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About this listen

This deeply imaginative and entertaining poetry collection details the pleasures of the orchestra, from strong-willed A to satisfied Z.

Two widely acclaimed poets—one a composer and classical pianist as well—have come together to create this extraordinary portrait of the orchestra in all of its richness and fascination, using the structure of the alphabet in a way that's entirely new and delightful. A is for the first note you hear as you take your seat in the concert hall, played by the headstrong oboe. B is for the bassoon, "the orchestra's jester, complaining impatiently through his nose". And C is for the conductor, "like the captain on the bridge of a great ship, navigating the composer's musical charts".

Onward the text goes, soaring in reverie and making thought-provoking observations while not taking itself too seriously—illuminating all the various details that flow together to create the nourishing experience of playing or listening to music.

This audiobook contains a downloadable PDF detailing information about the musical excerpts included in the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson (P)2021 Listening Library
Chapter Books & Readers Music & Performing Arts

Critic Reviews

"With stunning poetry and vivid illustrations, this volume reimagines what an orchestra is, all while delivering a lesson on how to listen. There’s energy and movement in the pictures and poems, organized into riffs on each letter, from A to Z, in imitation of music . . . Putting aside the artistry, this book also serves as an introduction to musical concepts, including everything from tempo and rests to notation and phrasing. It’s sure to inspire young readers to make music and approach it in fresh ways."—Booklist, starred review

"Combining the talents of composer Auerbach and poet Nelson with the illustrations of Hoppe, this collection of poems is a lyrical and colorful introduction to the orchestra. . . . This fine overview of the orchestra is a great fit for all collections, especially school libraries, where music teachers could use this resource for instruction."—School Library Journal, starred review

What listeners say about A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra's Alphabet

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For music lovers

an amazing musical experience.
The story is lovely but far from engaging or entertaining.
as an adult it is a magical kids book, from my kids it's boring but when we discussed how the music made them feel or what instrument is this etc.
They were more engaged but it required us to engage with them.
The performance pieces were beautiful.
The story tellers voice was amazing, so rich and full.
a lovely book for music lovers.

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