The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi
by Julie Andrews (Author) Chiara Fedele (Illustrator)
A stunning new picture book from beloved icon Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, that introduces readers to the remarkable story of the development of written music, and speaks to the beauty of music and the power of perseverance. Featuring the illustrated lyrics to "Do-Re-Mi" and an author's note about Julie Andrews's connection to the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein song!
Centuries ago, a young Italian monk named Guido longed to find a way to write and teach music. Eventually, he created the musical scale, using the words Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do...one syllable for each note. Though the other monks thought it was a waste of time, Guido's music couldn't be silenced. His discovery remains the foundation for learning music today, and inspired the famous song "Do-Re-Mi," which Julie Andrews sang in the beloved movie The Sound of Music.
This richly illustrated picture book from beloved icon Julie Andrews and her daughter, bestselling author Emma Walton Hamilton, introduces readers to the remarkable story of Guido d'Arezzo's development of musical notation. In addition to the lyrics of "Do-Re-Mi" illustrated in full color, the backmatter includes an author's note, extensive historical notes, and a glossary.
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Publishers Weekly
Musical theater tie-ins and a moving underdog story couch an introduction to music theory in this picture book about Benedictine monk Guido d'Arezzo (c. 990-1050). From his youth in a monastery school, Guido "heard music everywhere," from the chiming chapel bells to the "buzz and hum of bees and crickets." Pondering an easier way to teach, the maturing student, who wonders why music couldn't be written and read, invents a system of musical notation, only to clash with closed-minded teachers. By turns excited, heavyhearted, amazed, and grateful, Guido perseveres, and his "revolutionary ideas" spread throughout medieval Europe--reaching forward to today. Andrews and Hamilton's step-by-step prose, and Fedele's colored pencil, gouache, and watercolor illustrations of vibrant Italian landscapes and expressive, white-cued figures successfully combine to evoke strong emotions around Guido's eventual success. Back matter includes a creator's note and glossary. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)
Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
JUV016040 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Europe
JUV030050 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Europe
Monks
Musical notation
Guido
