Customer Reviews

Mozart Finds a Melody

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4 star:		(2)
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My son who is 6 years old says, "You should get it!".

This beautiful story has inspired my son to listen for music in the city as we go through our day. He often wonders aloud how Mozart would use a certain sound(like say for instance, our city bus) if Mozart was composing a new piece of music. We love this story.

I love this book and so do my kids. It has a clever and charming storyline that weaves in a child's first look at a musical score, a few landmarks of 18th century Vienna, the excitement of a musical premiere, the effort of creating and composing. But mostly it's a fun tale beautifully illustrated with an affectionate characterization of Mozart that completely delights children. It is a wonderful book in every respect. I wish there were a whole series from this author/illustrator bringing other composers to life for this age group.

Wolfgang Mozart must compose a new tune that will be heard in the famous Burgtheater in Vienna by Saturday evening. But poor Mozart can't think of any notes to write. Alas, he is suffering from writer's block. Until his hungry pet starling, Miss Bimms, sings a melody and gets his brain flowing. However, before he can begin writing the notes down on paper, Miss Bimms escapes through the window, and Mozart begins searching the town for the little starling. On his short trip through Vienna, Mozart begins to realize that his little town is filled with inspiring sounds, and is able to set to work on his composition once and for all.

Stephen Costanza's new children book is nothing short of enchanting. The wonderful prose contained within the pages is lovely, and flows much like a melody itself. While his gorgeous illustrations contained on every page couldn't be better. This is a wonderful book for all, whether you're a Mozart fan or not.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

This is a beautifully illustrated story, introducing the reader not only to details of Mozart's life but to scenes of old Vienna. The story itself is moderately captivating but it could serve as a useful tool in creating interest in classical composers and seeing them as real people.

The reader is immediately taken into the world of Mozart, in a whimsical, but no less daunting little adventure in which we see fabulous images which seem to have movement all their own, via the lofty, vibrant, and rich illustrations. The written content is light, and its brevity means that it will not detract from the beautifully executed drawings. By way of the luscious illustrations, the tale practically tells itself, the script being an underlying bass line, holding up the pace of the story. It is a great book to read to someone, or to be read alone--for children AND adults.

As a musicologist and professional musician, I adored this charming book. There is some possibility that indeed the pet bird did in fact sing something like this melody for the concerto in question (#17 in G for piano and orchestra, third movement), according to Mozart's own catalogue. That isn't what's important. What IS important is that the book is charming and that my 4 year old LOVED it. Of course, I sang Ms. Bims' melody for her (a CD would be good for non-musicians) and then we listened to the movement of the concerto together. My daughter now adores, ADORES, Mozart, having played other tunes for her as well and other whole pieces. She still loves to sing "Miss Bims' melody!"

Very nice book. We plan on keeping it for years to come. Shipped out really fast and the condition of the book was excellent!