Anna Harwell Celenza's engaging fictionalized telling of the story behind Franz Joseph Haydn's famous symphony is a perfect introduction to classical music and its power. THE FAREWELL SYMPHONY brings to life a long summer spent at Esterhaza, the summer palace of Prince Nicholas of Esterhazy. The blustering, bellowing prince entertained hundreds of guests at his rural retreat and demanded music for every occasion. As the months passed, Haydn was kept very busy writing and performing music for parties, balls, dinners, and even walks in the gardens. His orchestra members became homesick and missed their families. The anger, frustration, and longing of the musicians is expressed beautifully in the symphony born of the clever mind of Joseph Haydn who used it to convince Prince Nicholas that it was time to go home. Wonderfully expressive illustrations by JoAnn E. Kitchel capture all the comedy and pathos of this unique symphony. Beautifully interpretive motifs and borders convey the setting and emotion of the story mirroring the structure of the symphony with the repetitive use of sets of four. Making classical music and history come alive with color and character, THE FAREWELL SYMPHONY ensures a place for the arts in the hearts and minds of children.""

 

This book is part of a book series called Once Upon a Masterpiece .

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2016 by Charlesbridge Publishing, U. S. .

A professional storyteller for more than 30 years, H. J. Arrington is best known for her spin on African folktales. She has worked as a teacher, professor, reading resource specialist, and educational consultant. JoAnn E. Kitchel currently resides in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she is a freelance illustrator. Native to Lansing, Michigan, she received her B. A. from Central Michigan University and has served in the Peace Corps as an art teacher. She is also the illustrator of The Heart of aFriendship and other children's books, such as The Farewell Symphony and Raven's Gift.