The Story of the Incredible Orchestra: An Introduction to Musical Instruments and the Symphony Orchestra [Paperback]

Bruce Koscielniak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 2003 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Have you ever seen an orchestra perform and wondered about all those different instruments? In this fact-filled, entertaining picture book, Bruce Koscielniak gives us a lively look at the history of the orchestra and the instruments in it. From the “tooter, strings, and beaters” of the 1600s to the keyboard synthesizers of today, this playful exploration follows the development and trends of musical instruments over the last four hundred years. A perfect and joyous celebration for anyone who loves music.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

HInformed and lively, Koscielniak's (Hear, Hear, Mr. Shakespeare) fact-filled excursion through music history is just the ticket for budding musicians and music-lovers at large. Deceptively breezy prose and pictures trace the various eras in the development of the modern orchestra, starting with the instrumental groups at the dawn of the 17th century ("Tooters, Strings, and Beaters") and continuing on up to the present day, with a look at synthesizers and computer sound modules. At the same time, Koscielniak explains the evolution of musical styles (Baroque, Romantic, Classical, etc.). He also clues in readers as to how various instruments have changed over the centuries, examining such intriguing instruments as the sackbut (early trombone) and shawm (a forerunner of the oboe), as well as more familiar ones ("Kettledrums: Putting the Bomp Bomp Bah Bomp in the Orchestra"). Such important historical figures as Bach, Haydn, Duke Ellington and violin craftsman Antonio Stradivari are also introduced. Koscielniak expertly integrates text and art to convey all this information; the pages are busy but not cluttered, piquing interest with carefully selected detail. Close-up sketches show, for instance, a bassoon's double reed or how a piston valve works on a brass instrument. Watercolor wash in muted earth-toned shades bolsters the assured ink drawings, which seem both precise and spontaneous. Endpapers display a rogue's gallery of instruments, grouped by type and period. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-In a similar but much more focused format than his Hear, Hear, Mr. Shakespeare (Houghton, 1998), Koscielniak describes the evolution of the modern symphony orchestra and the instruments that comprise it. An informative narrative occupies at least one side of each double-page spread. Watercolor and line fill the pages, providing an up-close look at a variety of musical instruments and methods of sound production. Text inserts and captions accompany the artwork, describing the development of the instruments and their parts, or providing other related anecdotal information. The upbeat, whimsical drawings contrast with the rather formal narrative, which sometimes makes odd assumptions about readers' level of knowledge. Tempo is defined, for example, but not ensembles. The author covers a lot of ground here, perhaps too much, but most youngsters will learn something new. A fine complement to music-education programs.
Corinne Camarata, Port Washington Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (June 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618311122
• ISBN-13: 978-0618311125
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 10.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #637,302 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Music > Classical
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Music > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely Done, April 7, 2001

By 

Bookminded - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of the Incredible Orchestra: An Introduction to Musical Instruments and the Symphony Orchestra (Hardcover)

The Story of the Incredible Orchestra is a delightful way to introduce children to the history of the orchestra. Written and illustrated by Bruce Koscielniak, a musician who has played the violin and jazz guitar for years, the book can be enjoyed by both the casual reader as well as the music lover. The double-page spreads begin with a focus on a particular period of music and are followed by studies on the individual instruments introduced during that period. For example, violins during the Baroque Period and clarinets during the Romantic Period. The text itself is engaging and well-placed questions help focus attention on important points.

Colorful illustrations spill across the pages, bringing the text to life and engaging the reader in a deeper understanding of what is being discussed. Side-notes and smaller diagrams explain the text further and give specific definitions and notes of interest. The end pages depict and name by group all the instruments that are to be found in a symphony orchestra. Koscielniak encourages readers to make orchestral music a part of their lives, and his book may well inspire a budding young musician to pick an instrument and join in.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's Make Music....., February 12, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of the Incredible Orchestra: An Introduction to Musical Instruments and the Symphony Orchestra (Hardcover)

Come meet the orchestra, and learn about the fascinating history and evolution of this large ensemble, its individual instruments, and the wonderful music it plays. From its predecessor, the Beaters, Tooters, and Strings, to the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, and the modern orchestras of today, Bruce Koscielniak takes the reader on a marvelous and inviting 400 year journey. His engaging and entertaining text is written in an easy to read, conversational style, and is full of historical information, fun facts, and trivia. Busy, detailed illustrations enhance the text, and contain additional facts, definitions, diagrams, and other notes of interest, and youngsters will enjoy exploring all the artwork, finding something new and exciting every time they open the book. Perfect for kids 7 and older, The Story Of The Incredible Orchestra is a creative and innovative book that's sure to whet the appetite and peak the interest of budding musicians everywhere. As Mr Koscielniak tells us, "We've seen the orchestra develop over the past four hundred years, always with a blend of ideas old and new. Without a doubt, the incredible orchestra, whatever its shape, will roll onward-to the great enjoyment of listeners along the way." Read, learn, and enjoy!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for any kid's library, even 50-year-old kids!, September 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of the Incredible Orchestra: An Introduction to Musical Instruments and the Symphony Orchestra (Hardcover)

I'm a cellist, and I really love this book...and I'm 50 years old! If you (or your kids) liked "The Philharmonic Gets Dressed," you'll enjoy this one, too.

The text (written by a musician) is informative, and the delightful illustrations are amazing in detail and accuracy. I love that they even have barogue bows and bow holds on viol players!