Pictures at an Exhibition (Charlesbridge) (Hardcover)

by Anna Harwell Celenza (Author), Joann E. Kitchel (Illustrator) "St. Petersburg was a vibrant, bustling city in the 1870s..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-From the author and illustrator team of The Farewell Symphony (Charlesbridge, 2000) comes a new gem for music lovers. Celenza brings to life three Russian friends-composer Modest Mussorgsky, architect Victor Hartmann, and art critic Vladimir Stasov. When Hartmann dies, Mussorgsky is plunged into despair and cannot create music. Concerned about him, Stasov prods him into attending a posthumous exhibit of Victor's artwork. The paintings inspire the composer's musical tribute to his friend, "Pictures at an Exhibition." The story is based on many primary-source documents-correspondence, an autobiographical essay, and an obituary-but Celenza weaves in a depth of emotion that makes these individuals' lives unforgettable. This same attention to detail is evident in Kitchel's illustrations; not only does the artist capture the energy and movement of the music in her vibrant watercolor-and-ink illustrations, but she also confines them within symbolic borders of traditional Russian and Ukrainian folk-art motifs. They harmonize well with the accompanying CD recording that includes both piano and orchestral versions of Mussorgsky's famous composition.
Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
CD of Pictures at an Exhibition included.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing; Book and CD-ROM edition (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570914923
• ISBN-13: 978-1570914928
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #417,647 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another treasure from Celenza!, July 24, 2006

By	mom2two - See all my reviews

This book is yet another treasure in this series for children. The vivid illustrations are so beautiful and they complete the story well. The author gives a good accounting of the story here, without going too far into the details that would be unpleasant for young children. This story is full of passion and the music CD that accompanies it is wonderful. My children love this series and beg to listen to the music from each book. What a great gift to give any child; the love of music! I love that my young children know the stories behind great compositions and enjoy listening to them. I have learned a thing or two from reading these books as well! Definitely worth five stars!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Book, May 9, 2007

By	doitacappella - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pictures at an Exhibition (Paperback)

A great book about music and friendship. Excellent. Be warned that the composer's friend dies - It is handled delicately, but wanted you to know.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pictures at an Exhibition, December 16, 2008

By	S. Jones - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pictures at an Exhibition (Paperback)

The paperback version does NOT come with the CD. I returned my paperback copy that was missing the CD and Amazon sent me another paperback copy with NO CD... DO NOT buy the paperback if you want the CD!!!