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Jessica Courtney Tickle

The Story Orchestra: The Planets: Press the note to hear Holst's music

The Story Orchestra: The Planets: Press the note to hear Holst's music

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  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
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In this musical reimagining of Gustav Holst's famous suite, Helen and Tim adventure through our solar system, pressing buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the score and learn about the instruments, rhythms, and musical techniques that make it so powerful. The Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet, opera, and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores.

Format: Hardback
Length: 24 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Quarto Publishing PLC


Discover the captivating magic of "The Planets" in this enchanting musical retelling of one of Holst's most renowned suites. Engage in a sensory experience as you press the buttons on each picturesque scene, unleashing the vibrant sound of an orchestra performing from Holst's masterful score. This captivating tale revolves around a brother and sister embarking on an extraordinary adventure through our solar system. The story begins on a serene night, as Helen and Tim prepare for bed in their cozy space rocket bunk beds. However, their slumber is momentarily delayed as they magically soar into the starry night sky, leaving planet Earth far behind. With boundless curiosity, Helen and Tim venture forth, exploring the vast expanse of our majestic solar system. They glide past the rugged icy surface of Mars, witnessing its towering peaks and plunging deep canyons. They even navigate through a jostling asteroid belt composed of icy rocks, adding an extra layer of excitement to their journey. As they venture deeper into the solar system, their eyes are treated to a mesmerizing display of dazzling stars and awe-inspiring planets. But alas, it is time to return homeward! As the rocket accelerates towards Earth, Tim and Helen marvel at the sunrise unfolding before them. As you and your young companion embark on this enchanting journey, you'll have the opportunity to press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the score. Gently press on the pages to activate the delightful sounds, fostering interactive learning and introducing children to the enchanting world of classical music. At the back of the book, discover a brief biography of the composer, Gustav Holst, providing insights into his composition of "The Planets." Alongside this, you can replay the musical excerpts and delve into discussions about the instruments, rhythms, and musical techniques that make them truly powerful. A comprehensive glossary defines any musical terms that may arise during your reading. The Story Orchestra series is a remarkable endeavor that breathes life into classical music, captivating the hearts and minds of young readers and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 272 x 310 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780711289161

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UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

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