Why Beethoven Threw the Stew: And Lots More Stories About the Lives of Great Composers

by Steven Isserlis

Overview

In Why Beethoven Threw the Stew, renowned cellist Steven Isserlis sets out to pass on to children a wonderful gift given to him by his own cello teacher - the chance to people his own world with the great composers by getting to know them as friends.

Witty and informative at the same time, Isserlis introduces us to six of his favourite composers: the sublime genius Bach, the quicksilver Mozart, Beethoven with his gruff humour, the shy Schumann, the prickly Brahms and that extraordinary split personality, Stravinsky. Isserlis brings the composers alive in an irresistible manner that can't fail to catch the attention of any child whose ear has been caught by any of the music described, or anyone entering the world of classical music for the first time.

The lively black and white line illustrations provide a perfect accompaniment to the text, and make this book attractive and accessible for children to enjoy on their own or share with an adult.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780571268672
Publisher:	Faber and Faber
Publication date:	11/15/2012
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	211
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	7 Years

About the Author

Steven Isserlis was born into music at a fairly early age. These days, he travels all over the world, playing concerts to whoever wants to listen (and to a few who don't too) and making recordings. In 1998, he was awarded a CBE, for 'services to music'; and in 2000, the city of Zwickau bestowed the Schumann Prize 2000 upon his curly head. He lives in London, with his wife and son, lots of cellos and a piano.
Steven Isserlis enjoys a unique and multi-faceted career as soloist, chamber musician and educator. He appears regularly with the world's leading orchestras, gives recitals every season in major musical centres, devises fascinating chamber music programmes, performs with many period-instrument ensembles, plays and writes for children, and works with many living composers. He has written two children's books, and gives masterclasses worldwide. For the past eighteen years he has been Artistic Director of the International Musicians' Seminar at Prussia Cove, Cornwall.