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(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Rachel Himes.
This smart, lively biography in verse tells the story of Lillian Hardin Armstrong--her talent as a musician and composer, her drive, and her instrumental role in popularizing both the career of husband Louis Armstrong and jazz itself. The black-and-white illustrations' gracefully energetic lines echo and underscore the strength and elegance of the "First Lady of Jazz." Robust back matter complements the concise text. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
159 pp.
| Morgan
| September, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59935-123-0$28.95
(4)
YA
Classical Composers series.
Clara Schumann, along with managing a tumultuous relationship with her father and tending to her erratic husband and their eight often-ill children, was able to maintain a career as a world-renowned concert pianist (and composer) for over six decades. The information in this thorough volume could be better organized, but it's engaging nonetheless. Archival artwork supports the text. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Chris Soentpiet.
This story about the Hill sisters, teachers during the late nineteenth century, culminates in their composition of "Happy Birthday to You." Though the telling is sentimental, the warmth of family life comes through. Realistic watercolors portray faces aglow with sunlight from improbable angles. Appended information gives more facts about the disputed history of the song.
128 pp.
| Morgan
| June, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59935-038-7$27.95
(4)
YA
Classical Composers series.
These thorough, well-researched composers' biographies focus almost solely on their subjects' lives, with a few glimpses at historical context. Verdi incorporates brief summaries of his major operas, but neither book elucidates the composers' musical styles. Mendelssohn's story is meatier, as its subject attempts to reconcile gender roles with professional ambitions. A list of suggested recordings would have been a welcome addition. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Classical Composers titles: Giuseppe Verdi and Italian Opera and Gifted Sister.
64 pp.
| Scholastic/Levine
| September, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-50739-4$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jeanette Winter.
Story and pictures tell of a sickly girl during the Middle Ages who grows up to become a beloved abbess and visionary. The text describes Hildegard's visions in biblically styled prose, while framed pictures convey their glory in brilliant bursts of color. An author's note gives further details of Hildegard's life and work (she was also a scientist and composer). Bib.
Reviewer: Lauren Adams
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2007
118 pp.
| Clarion
| April, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-395-89119-1$$18.00
(2)
4-6
This thoroughly researched book draws on primary sources, both Clara's own diaries and her voluminous correspondence with her husband (more comfortable writing than speaking to each other, she and her husband maintained a joint diary) and other musicians of the times. Reich's lucid, quietly passionate biography is liberally illustrated with photographs and reproductions. Ind.
Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 1999
6 reviews
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