René Aubry – The Mouse Theme from “The Gruffalo”
René Aubry Born 20 December 1956
The Mouse Theme from "The Gruffalo"
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In 1995, while searching for ideas for educational plays based on traditional tales, Julia Donaldson discovered a Chinese story about a girl who avoids being eaten by a tiger. She claims to be the Queen of the Jungle and invites the tiger to follow her. The tiger misunderstands the fear of the animals they encounter as being directed at her, causing him to flee. Donaldson realised this story could become more than an educational piece and later considered it for a picture book. She transformed the girl into a mouse and selected a fox, owl, and snake as woodland creatures, but was unhappy with lines like “They ought to know, they really should / There aren’t any tigers in this wood.”
She then created a monster whose name ends in O, leading to the name Gruffalo. The character was initially a figment of the Mouse’s imagination, intended to scare off the predators but later became real. After revisions, The Gruffalo was sent to Reid Books in 1995, and soon Macmillan Children’s Books published it in 1999, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
René Aubry is a remarkable composer known for his ability to intertwine classical music with modern sounds. As a multi-instrumentalist, Aubry creates unique musical pieces that appeal to a wide audience. He has collaborated with renowned choreographers, including Carolyn Carlson and Pina Bausch, composing music that enhances their dance performances.
Aubry is perhaps best known for his soundtracks for children’s films, especially those adapted from the beloved books of Julia Donaldson. His scores for films such as “The Gruffalo,” “Room on the Broom,” and “The Highway Rat” have enchanted both children and adults alike.
Over the years, Aubry has released numerous albums, each showcasing his diverse musical talents. His works include “Chrysalide,” “Signes,” and “Forget Me Not.” This blending of classical and contemporary styles has made René Aubry a significant figure in the world of music, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.