Orchestra

Crisply paced and clearly written, this engaging introduction to the western orchestra is appealingly substantive. The first half covers the symphony orchestra's history and composition, exploring its sections (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guests) and investigating how representative instruments from each category make sound: "When the player blows into the, it is the reed's vibration against the mouthpiece that makes the sound." Nuovo elegantly builds concepts as the text proceeds: "You may have started to see a pattern in how instruments work. Some use air, some are plucked or bowed, but all of them are doing the same thing to make sound: vibrating." In the second half, narrative focus expands to include "The Music and Its Makers" (refreshingly, Nuovo chooses to feature Hildegard of Bingen, Amy Beach, and Duke Ellington, among others) and orchestral music "Beyond the Concert Hall." Doran's coolly stylized illustrations use smoky shades of rust, ochre, and blue to enliven the pages. Ages 7-10. (Nov.)

Gr 3-6--This title is divided into three sections. The first section introduces all parts of the orchestra: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Select instruments are highlighted in double-page spreads followed by a more detailed description. Readers learn how a violin is made and how it works. The clarinet is emphasized in the woodwinds section. The second section, "The Music and Its Makers," briefly explains how music is read and composed. Several biographies discuss composers and their famous works: topics include Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and composition pioneer Amy Beach. The final part talks about opera, ballet, and musical theater. Nuovo's writing is clear and enthusiastic, accompanied by Doran's mid century-influenced illustrations. The text and the pictures display people of different cultures. A few women are given their due in this mostly male field. There is a solid index for report writers. A full glossary defines advanced words such as polymath and virtuoso. VERDICT Inviting illustrations and peppy text combine to make this book a winner for beginning music enthusiasts.--Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI