Nonfiction Review: Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music Musical Selection and Explanatory Notes by Ana Gerhard Ill. by Cecilia Varela

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Gerhard, Ana. 2010. LISTEN TO THE BIRDS: AN INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC. Ill. by Cecilia Varela. Montreal: The Secret Mountain. ISBN 978-2923163895 2. SUMMARY Ana Gerhard walks you through classical music inspired by birds and their songs. She starts off by giving a brief history of how birds have inspired composers for hundreds of years, and discusses the science behind the birds’ song. Ana then walks the reader through 20 songs inspired by different species of birds, providing readers with a short blurb about the bird itself, and how the composer made the connection of the bird to their musical composition. There is also a listening guide to each song, a brief history of each composer, a glossary of musical terms, and a timeline of composers and their periods. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Ana Gerhard provides a comprehensive beginner’s guide into classical music while sprinkling in a bit of science and history in this unique and innovative book. The connection between birds and music may have been inspiring composers for years, but it is sure to grab children’s imaginations today. The ease in which she describes each bird and how the composer uses it to create a classical masterpiece is perfect for young readers. The whimsical illustrations provided by Cecilia Varela give these classical pieces a modern twist. There is a CD included accompanied by a listening guide which walks the listener through each piece, pointing out where to hear the birdsong inspiration, which gives the reader an immersive experience. There are tons of features in this book, and my only wish is that Gerhard would have included a table of contents to make it easier for the reader to flip between the listening guide and each bird’s description. Overall, Ana Gerhard and Cecilia Varela created a great jumping point for children to dive deeper into classical music. 4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) NEW YORK TIMES: “All in all, the book, though slight in size, is expansive in its reach. The result is a surprisingly thorough beginner’s introduction to classical music.” 5. CONNECTIONS *Have students listen to classical music and write about what they think the composer was inspired by. *Students can imagine they are composers, and can sit outside and listen to the birds.