Deixa-me rir...

"Caros audiophiles, here in London we are in the middle of the classical music Proms season at the Royal Albert Hall, an annual extravaganza for more than 100 years created to promote and popularise classical music among all people. Each night for two months there is a programme of music that might include something famous by one of the giants of classical composition such as Bach or Mahler, together with less known pieces by less-known or new composers, together with world premieres of new music, all played by fantastic orchestras and singers and conductors from around the world. The style may be baroque or operatic or romantic or minimalist or avant-garde. We may be introduced not only to our western music but also to Indian raga, to southeast Asian, Chinese, African or Arabian classical styles, The fun for me is having a mix, sometimes quite eclectic, and being introduced to music which normally I would not discover. And which sometimes I would happily not listen to again. Hands up anyone who fancies hearing Concerto for Three Pieces of Wood?!

So this week I offer something classical. My very first introduction to classical music.

Sergei Prokofiev was commissioned in 1936 to write a symphony for children, something accessible that could cultivate an interest in music and musical instruments.

Peter and the Wolf was composed remarkably in only four days. By defining each character in the story with its own musical instrument and musical theme or leitmotif, and most importantly by having an accompanying narrated story, children could take the first easy steps toward their musical education. I remember well, like many of you I am sure, listening dreamily to Peter's musical story, my head in my arms resting on a desk or lying on the classroom floor of my kindergarten primary school, being delighted by the distinctive sounds of Peter and the bird and duck and cat and anticipating the scary sounds of the wolf and the hunters from my place of safety. It must be one of my very first musical memories. As it remains today for children everywhere.

For children and adult children of all ages.

The videos I have found are of a wonderful stop-motion animated film which won an Oscar a few years ago. I attended the world premiere of this film at the Royal Albert Hall where the film was screened with a live orchestra. I was very pleased that it gained wide recognition later. The film captures beautifully the solitary life and defiant spirit of the young boy Peter amid the harsh Russian landscape, his friendship with his pet duck, his innocent adventure into the dark forest, and his loss of innocence, with some charming comic moments. Perhaps I should note that the music begins only after five minutes as soon as Peter escapes into the forest.

A proxima,

PO

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