Famous Composers
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Famous Composers
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Narrated by:
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Marin Alsop
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By:
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Darren Henley
About this listen
Following on the success of The Story of Classical Music, Darren Henley and Marin Alsop combine forces again to tell, in more detail, the lives of six key composers: Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, and Shostakovich. Their colourful lives and their love of music are told against the backdrop of some of their finest works, an ideal combination.
Download the accompanying reference guide.©2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.Listeners also enjoyed...
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More Famous Composers
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Abridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 13
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 13
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 13
The first volume of Famous Composers, written by Darren Henley and read by Marin Alsop, the American conductor, won a prestigious Audie in the US. Here, Henley and the Naxos AudioBooks team bring the combination of an entertaining but informative "life" and numerous musical selections to a further set of six composers.
By: Darren Henley
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The Story of Classical Music
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Aled Jones
- Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 21
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 16
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 17
The lives and music of the great composers of classical music unfold in this entertaining account, introduced by singer and presenter Aled Jones. In 1200 years, classical music grew from the chanting of medieval monks through the symphonies of Beethoven and the grand operas of Wagner to the huge orchestral sound-world of the 21st century, with its electronics and its film music.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Thanks!
- By Carolyn M Glick on 03-04-23
By: Darren Henley
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Vivaldi
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 9
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 8
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Story4 out of 5 stars 8
This is a story from the Famous Composers collection.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Very good!!!
- By Phoenix on 06-19-20
By: Darren Henley
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Haydn
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 24 mins
- Abridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
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Dvorak
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
This is a story from the Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
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Mendelssohn
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 22 mins
- Abridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 2
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
-
More Famous Composers
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 13
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 13
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 13
The first volume of Famous Composers, written by Darren Henley and read by Marin Alsop, the American conductor, won a prestigious Audie in the US. Here, Henley and the Naxos AudioBooks team bring the combination of an entertaining but informative "life" and numerous musical selections to a further set of six composers.
By: Darren Henley
-
The Story of Classical Music
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Aled Jones
- Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 17
The lives and music of the great composers of classical music unfold in this entertaining account, introduced by singer and presenter Aled Jones. In 1200 years, classical music grew from the chanting of medieval monks through the symphonies of Beethoven and the grand operas of Wagner to the huge orchestral sound-world of the 21st century, with its electronics and its film music.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Thanks!
- By Carolyn M Glick on 03-04-23
By: Darren Henley
-
Vivaldi
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 8
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 8
This is a story from the Famous Composers collection.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Very good!!!
- By Phoenix on 06-19-20
By: Darren Henley
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Haydn
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 24 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
-
Dvorak
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
This is a story from the Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
-
Mendelssohn
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 22 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 2
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
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Chopin
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 19 mins
- Abridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 6
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 5
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
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Handel
- By: Darren Henley
- Narrated by: Marin Alsop
- Length: 24 mins
- Abridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5
This is a story from the More Famous Composers collection.
By: Darren Henley
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Anne of Green Gables
- By: Lucy Maud Montgomery
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- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 22,369
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 20,341
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Story5 out of 5 stars 20,239
With all of the pluck and charm of its eponymous young hero, Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Spotlight, Midnight in Paris) delivers a spectacular reading of Montgomery's beloved bildungsroman. In moments both funny and bittersweet, McAdams' voice is imbued with the spark that has made Anne a much-loved symbol of individualism and cheer for over a century.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing. Listen to this book.
- By Jennifer F. on 12-01-16
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Misty of Chincoteague
- By: Marguerite Henry
- Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 553
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 416
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 416
Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom. Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; and worked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Just a great little book
- By Richard on 08-04-12
By: Marguerite Henry
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Laddie
- A True Blue Story
- By: Gene Stratton-Porter
- Narrated by: Laurie Klein
- Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 214
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 170
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 173
This is a captivating, good-humored look at family life in a small farming community in Indiana in the early 1900s.
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5 out of 5 stars
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An American Classic
- By Clint on 07-04-10
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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
- By: Howard Pyle
- Narrated by: Stuart Langton
- Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 302
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 247
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 247
For hundreds of years, the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has been one of the world's most precious literary possessions. In 1902, the distinguished American artist Howard Pyle undertook to retell and illustrate this classic. His four-volume work has long been considered one of the outstanding interpretations of the Arthurian cycle.
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5 out of 5 stars
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The Eternal Story
- By Angele Thibodeau on 10-27-18
By: Howard Pyle
Editorial reviews
Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorak, and Shostakovich make up this delightful introduction to famous composers, an Audie-nominated production filled with re-enactments, musical excerpts, and facts on the six composers. Adult or child can certainly gain an understanding about the composers' lives, as well as the relevance of their music. Some information may elude the listener, such as particular music cues in each excerpt, but one can't help walking away with a better appreciation of music overall. While the accents seem unnecessary, the reenactments prove to be a good vehicle for educating listeners. Marin Alsop narrates the text in a light and welcoming voice that creates an enjoyable atmosphere for learning.
Critic reviews
- 2005 Audie Award Winner, Original Work
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What listeners say about Famous Composers
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Seung
- 01-25-12
amazing!
What does Marin Alsop bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
This audiobook helped me & my kids understand better about famous musicians with corresponding music here & there while we are on the road. My 7 year old boy is enjoying this audiobook so much in the car, listening to the stories of famous musicians and their musics. Fantastic! Love it!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- lindal
- 04-16-15
Light, but interesting
Would have enjoyed more details, but an interesting overview of these great composers. Easy enough story I may have my granddaughter listen to it as well.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- aLovingParent
- 04-05-12
love it, great starter for kids.
Any additional comments?
love it, great starter for kids.
I don't know why another reviewer is saying that the composer's names are not mentioned (which is not true at all). I am so happy I bought this rather than mis leaded by that review.
Not only the composers' names are clearly mentioned, the story is dramatised, the music and story are beautifully connected together. Whatelse do you expect from a educational and entertaining audio book for kids!
I would recommend this to all my friends.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Lissa Goldman
- 06-20-12
Classical Music for Dummies
This short audio book was geared for young listeners but I thoroughly enjoyed it as I am quite ignorant when it comes to classical music. I was provided with a short concise history and overview of five main composers. I listen now with a more practiced ear!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Elaine
- 03-04-07
Enjoyable
This is a great beginner's guide to classical music and famous composers. The good use of narration, dialogue/role-play, songs and sound effects make this a well-executed audiobook.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Kim
- 07-31-08
Disappointing
The description should state that this is intended for children, not adults.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Stanley
- 02-15-06
Juvenile telling
I listened to the first 25 minutes of the book and gave up. It begins by telling an anecdote, but not naming the composer. Then a short snippet of music. This gets repeated for more unnamed composers. Seems like a juvenile way of beginning what I hoped would be informative biographies. Very unsatisfactory.
Stan Beattie
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Tammy
- 09-23-08
Entertaining but clearly intended for children
The description shoud say intended for elementary age children.
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1 person found this helpful