Books That Became Music

24 February

The Divine Comedy – Pooh Trilogy

Thomas Pitts Bonus Content, Books That Became Music, Europe, Northern Ireland Books That Became Music, Cottleston Pie, Hannon, Piglet Ho!, Pooh Trilogy, Three Cheers for Pooh

Neil Hannon Born 7 November 1970

Pooh Trilogy Three Cheers for Pooh, Cottleston Pie, Piglet Ho!

Neil Hannon
By Steve Knight – https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitmasterbloke/52327395598/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162974844

Winnie-the-Pooh is a beloved fictional teddy bear created by A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard. He first appeared in a story for London’s Evening News on Christmas Eve in 1925. Milne was inspired by a toy he bought for his son, Christopher Robin, and a bear named Winnie at London Zoo. The first book, Winnie-the-Pooh, was published in 1926, followed by The House at Pooh Corner in 1928. Milne also wrote poems about Pooh in his verse books, including When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six. The stories are set in the Hundred Acre Wood, inspired by Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. These tales have been translated into many languages, including a famous Latin version, Winnie ille Pu. The original manuscripts are preserved at Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1961, Disney adapted the stories, creating a successful franchise. Pooh has been voiced by several actors, including Jim Cummings. His adventures teach valuable lessons about friendship, problem-solving, and imagination.

Edward Neil Anthony Hannon is a Northern Irish singer and songwriter, born on 7 November 1970. He is the founder and frontman of the band the Divine Comedy, which started in 1989. Hannon is known for writing theme tunes for popular sitcoms like Father Ted and The IT Crowd, as well as songs for the musical film Wonka (2023). Growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, during The Troubles, Hannon’s experiences influenced his music. He attended Portora Royal School and developed a love for synthesiser music and electric guitar. The Divine Comedy gained fame in the 1990s with albums such as Casanova and Fin de Siècle. Hannon’s creativity extends beyond music; he has composed for theatre and even created operas. His song “My Lovely Horse” became famous through Father Ted, showcasing his talent for blending humour and music. Hannon’s work reflects personal experiences and cultural influences, making him a significant figure in contemporary music. His contributions continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

24 February

Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah

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Leonard Cohen 21 September 1934 – 7 November 2016

Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen
By Gorupdebesanez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31038363

Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” is rich with biblical references and emotional depth. The song features stories from the Bible, such as Samson and Delilah, and King David and Bathsheba. These stories illustrate themes of love, loss, and faith. Cohen believed that “Hallelujah” expresses a mix of joy and sorrow, reflecting the complexities of human experience. He described the word “Hallelujah” as a way to praise God, but also as a broader expression of life’s ups and downs. The song has been covered by many artists, each bringing their own interpretation. For example, Jeff Buckley’s version is more sorrowful, while John Cale’s rendition focuses on sincerity. This variety shows how different emotions can be conveyed through the same lyrics. The term “Hallelujah” itself comes from Hebrew, meaning “praise God.” This highlights its cultural significance and long history. Through “Hallelujah,” listeners can explore deep themes of spirituality, desire, and the human condition, making it a powerful piece of music that resonates across generations.

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian songwriter, poet, and novelist, born on September 21, 1934. His work often explored themes of faith, love, loss, and social justice. Cohen began his career as a poet in the 1950s before transitioning to music in 1966. His first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, was released in 1967, followed by many others, including the famous song “Hallelujah” from his 1984 album, Various Positions. Throughout his life, Cohen received numerous awards, including induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His lyrics are known for their depth and emotional resonance, often reflecting on personal and societal struggles. Cohen’s Jewish heritage and experiences influenced his writing, as seen in his exploration of identity and spirituality. He continued to create music until his death on November 7, 2016. His legacy endures through his songs and poetry, inspiring generations with his profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of life.

24 February

The Divine Comedy – Bernice Bobs Her Hair

Thomas Pitts Bonus Content, Books That Became Music, Europe, Northern Ireland Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Books That Became Music, Hannon

Neil Hannon Born 7 November 1970

Bernice Bobs Her Hair

Neil Hannon
By Steve Knight – https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitmasterbloke/52327395598/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162974844

“Bernice Bobs Her Hair” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1920. It tells the tale of Bernice, a mixed-race Native American girl from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who visits her cousin Marjorie in the city. Initially socially awkward, Bernice’s popularity grows, threatening Marjorie’s social standing. Marjorie, feeling jealous, decides to sabotage Bernice’s newfound popularity by tricking her into bobbing her hair, a bold act at the time. This decision leads to unexpected consequences, as the boys who admired Bernice lose interest after her haircut. The story explores themes of identity, race, and the complexities of social dynamics during the Jazz Age. It highlights how societal pressures can influence personal choices and relationships. Fitzgerald’s narrative raises questions about the nature of popularity and the sacrifices made for acceptance. The story also reflects on the racial tensions of the era, as Bernice navigates her mixed heritage in a predominantly white society. Through Bernice’s journey, readers gain insight into the struggles of fitting in and the impact of peer influence on self-image.

24 February

The Divine Comedy – Lucy

Thomas Pitts Bonus Content, Books That Became Music, Europe, Northern Ireland Books That Became Music, Hannon, Lucy

Neil Hannon Born 7 November 1970

Lucy

Neil Hannon
By Steve Knight – https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitmasterbloke/52327395598/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162974844

The Lucy poems are a collection of five poems written by William Wordsworth between 1798 and 1801. They include “Strange fits of passion have I known”, “She dwelt among the untrodden ways”, “I travelled among unknown men”, “Three years she grew in sun and shower”, and “A slumber did my spirit seal”. These poems explore themes of love, nature, and loss, reflecting Wordsworth’s emotional experiences during his time in Germany. The character Lucy, whose identity remains a mystery, represents beauty and the pain of separation. Wordsworth’s use of simple language and vivid imagery allows readers to connect deeply with the emotions expressed. The poems are significant within the Romantic movement, showcasing a shift towards personal feelings and nature. Wordsworth aimed to write in a way that was accessible, using everyday language to convey profound ideas. By examining the Lucy poems, students can develop skills in interpreting poetry, analysing themes, and understanding the historical context of the Romantic era, enriching their appreciation of literature and its emotional depth.

24 February

Harry Gregson-Williams – Only The Beginning Of The Adventure (from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)

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Harry Gregson-Williams Born 13 December 1961

Only The Beginning Of The Adventure

Harry Gregson-Williams
By Raph_PH – https://www.flickr.com/photos/raph_ph/54406459085/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=168525380

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a captivating story about four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie. During World War II, they are evacuated from London to a countryside home. While playing hide-and-seek, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that leads to the magical land of Narnia. In Narnia, she meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus, who reveals that the evil White Witch has cast a spell, making it always winter. Lucy’s siblings eventually join her, but Edmund betrays them by meeting the White Witch, who tempts him with Turkish delight. The children learn from talking beavers that they must help Aslan, a great lion, to defeat the Witch and fulfil a prophecy. Aslan sacrifices himself for Edmund, but later returns to life, symbolising hope and redemption. The Pevensies unite to fight the Witch, ultimately restoring peace to Narnia. This story explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil, making it a timeless classic for all ages.

Harry Gregson-Williams, born on 13 December 1961, is an acclaimed English composer, conductor, orchestrator, and record producer. He is best known for his music in various video games, films, and television shows. Among his notable works are the scores for the Metal Gear series, the films Spy Game, Phone Booth, and Man on Fire. He also contributed to the soundtracks of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and its sequel, Prince Caspian, as well as acclaimed movies like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Gladiator II.

Harry’s musical journey began early in life. At just seven, he received a musical scholarship to St John’s College School in Cambridge, where he was a child chorister. He later attended Stowe School and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned directors such as Ridley Scott and Tony Scott, showcasing his versatility and talent. As the older brother of composer Rupert Gregson-Williams, Harry continues to influence the world of music in film and beyond.

24 February

René Aubry – The Mouse Theme from “The Gruffalo”

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René Aubry Born 20 December 1956

The Mouse Theme from "The Gruffalo"

René Aubry
By manaidb.com – http://www.maniadb.com/artist/129376?o=d, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94059868

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.

23 February

Hector Berlioz – Roméo et Juliette

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Hector Berlioz 11 December 1803 – 8 March 1869

Roméo et Juliette

Hector Berlioz
By w:August Prinzhofer (1816–1885) – Hector Berlioz, sa vie et ses oeuvres,, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=141762756

Roméo et Juliette is a seven-movement symphonie dramatique composed by Hector Berlioz, inspired by Shakespeare’s play. Completed in 1839, it was first performed on 24 November. The work features orchestral music and vocal solos, with the libretto written by Émile Deschamps. Berlioz’s composition reflects the themes of love and conflict found in Shakespeare’s story. The symphony is structured into three parts, showcasing various emotions through music. Berlioz was inspired by a performance he attended in 1827, which included his future wife, Harriet Smithson. This experience profoundly influenced his creative process. The piece is notable for its innovative orchestration and dramatic storytelling, using the orchestra to represent characters and emotions. Berlioz’s work is considered a significant contribution to the Romantic period, pushing the boundaries of orchestral music. The vocal elements are introduced in the first, fifth, and seventh movements, enhancing the narrative. Berlioz’s dedication to the symphony was supported by a financial gift from Paganini, allowing him to focus on this important work. Roméo et Juliette remains a testament to Berlioz’s genius and his ability to blend music with literature, creating a powerful emotional experience for audiences.

Hector Berlioz was a well-known French composer from the Romantic period. His music was powerful, dramatic, and very different from what people were used to hearing. Some of his most famous pieces include Symphonie fantastique, Harold in Italy, and the opera Les Troyens. Berlioz grew up in a small town where his father wanted him to become a doctor. He moved to Paris to study medicine, but he quickly realised he loved music far more. He began studying at the Paris Conservatoire and worked hard to improve as a composer.

He was inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and fell in love with an actress named Harriet Smithson. She became the inspiration for Symphonie fantastique, one of his most famous works. They later married, though life was not always easy for them. Many people in France did not understand his unusual style, so Berlioz often travelled to other countries to conduct his music. He became very successful in places like Germany, Russia, and Britain. He also wrote music articles and a well-known book about instruments.

23 February

Modest Mussorgsky – Night On Bald Mountain

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Modest Mussorgsky 21 March [O.S. * 9 March] 1839 – 28 March [O.S. 16 March] 1881

Night On Bald Mountain

Modest Mussorgsky
By Self-scanned, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4050848

Night on Bald Mountain (Russian: Ночь на лысой горе, romanized: Noch′ na lysoy gore), also known as Night on the Bare Mountain, is a series of compositions by Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881). Inspired by Russian literary works and legend, Mussorgsky composed a “musical picture”, St. John’s Eve on Bald Mountain (Russian: Иванова ночь на лысой горе, romanized: Ivanova noch′ na lysoy gore) on the theme of a Witches’ Sabbath occurring at Bald Mountain on St. John’s Eve, which he completed on that very night, 23 June 1867. Together with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sadko (1867), it is one of the first tone poems by a Russian composer.

Although Mussorgsky was proud of his youthful effort, his mentor, Mily Balakirev, refused to perform it. To salvage what he considered worthy material, Mussorgsky attempted to insert his Bald Mountain music, recast for vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra, into two subsequent projects—the collaborative opera-ballet Mlada (1872), and the opera The Fair at Sorochyntsi (1880). However, Night on Bald Mountain was never performed in any form during Mussorgsky’s lifetime.

In 1886, five years after Mussorgsky’s death, Rimsky-Korsakov published an arrangement of the work, described as a “fantasy for orchestra.” Some musical scholars consider this version to be an original composition of Rimsky-Korsakov, albeit one based on Mussorgsky’s last version of the music, for The Fair at Sorochyntsi.

It is through Rimsky-Korsakov’s version that Night on Bald Mountain achieved lasting fame. Premiering in Saint Petersburg in 1886, the work became a concert favourite. Half a century later, the work obtained perhaps its greatest exposure through the Walt Disney animated film Fantasia (1940), featuring an arrangement by Leopold Stokowski, based on Rimsky-Korsakov’s version. Mussorgsky’s tone poem was not published in its original form until 1968. It has started to gain exposure and become familiar to modern audiences.

Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky was a Russian composer from the Romantic era and a member of “The Five”, a group that aimed to create a uniquely Russian style of classical music. He was known for rejecting Western musical conventions in favour of realism, Russian speech rhythms, and themes from history and folklore. His most famous works include the opera Boris Godunov, the orchestral piece Night on Bald Mountain, and the piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition. Many of his compositions were not widely performed during his lifetime and were often revised by other composers like Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Mussorgsky was born into a wealthy family in the Pskov region and began piano lessons as a child. He entered military training but left to pursue music. In Saint Petersburg, he met influential figures who shaped his artistic direction. Mussorgsky aimed to reflect life “as it is truly lived”, particularly through natural vocal writing. His later life was marked by instability and alcoholism, yet he produced powerful works. He died in 1881 at 42 and is remembered for his originality and bold musical language.

*Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) indicate dating systems before and after a calendar change, respectively. Usually, they refer to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar as enacted in various European countries between 1582 and 1923.

Prokofieff_(i.e._Prokofiev)_LCCN2014708419_Crop_2

23 February

Sergei Prokofiev – Peter And The Wolf

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Sergei Prokofiev 27 April [O.S. 15 April] 1891 – 5 March 1953

Peter And The Wolf Op.67

Sergei Prokofiev
By Bain News Service, publisher. Restored by User:MyCatIsAChonk – Library of CongressCatalog: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014708419Image download: https://cdn.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/28200/28259v.jpgOriginal url: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2014708419/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133424073

Peter and the Wolf is a musical story composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. It tells the tale of a brave boy named Peter who lives with his grandfather in a forest. One day, Peter leaves the garden gate open, allowing a duck to swim in a pond. The duck and a bird argue about swimming and flying while a cat quietly stalks them. Peter’s grandfather warns him about the dangers of wolves. Soon, a wolf appears and swallows the duck. Determined to save his friends, Peter devises a clever plan. He climbs a tree and instructs the bird to distract the wolf. Using a rope, Peter catches the wolf by its tail. When hunters arrive, Peter persuades them to help him take the wolf to the zoo instead of shooting it. Each character in the story is represented by different instruments in the orchestra: the bird by a flute, the duck by an oboe, and the wolf by horns. This composition not only entertains but also teaches children about music and teamwork. Peter’s bravery and resourcefulness highlight important values, making this story a beloved classic that encourages creativity and appreciation for orchestral music.

Sergei Prokofiev was a famous Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, known as one of the major musical figures of the 20th century. He wrote in many genres, including seven symphonies, eight ballets, seven operas, major concertos, and nine piano sonatas. His best-known works include Peter and the Wolf, Romeo and Juliet, Lieutenant Kijé, and the March from The Love for Three Oranges. Prokofiev showed talent early, composing as a child and studying at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he became known as a bold and modern composer. Before and during the Russian Revolution, he created striking works like the Classical Symphony and collaborated with cultural figures like Sergei Diaghilev. In 1917, he left Russia and lived in the United States, Germany, and Paris, building an international career. He returned to the Soviet Union in 1936, producing famous works like Cinderella and the War Sonatas. Prokofiev’s life became difficult in the late 1940s due to Soviet policies, but he continued to compose until his death on 5 March 1953, the same day as Stalin.

23 February

Felix Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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Felix Mendelssohn 3 February 1809 – 4 November 1847

A Midsummer Night's Dream III. Adagio

Felix Mendelssohn
By Eduard Magnus – Berlin State Library, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5854375

On two occasions, Felix Mendelssohn composed music for William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream (in German Ein Sommernachtstraum). First in 1826, near the start of his career, he wrote a concert overture (Op. 21). Later, in 1842, five years before his death, he wrote incidental music (Op. 61) for a production of the play, into which he incorporated the existing overture. The incidental music includes the famous “Wedding March”.

Mendelssohn’s overture, completed when he was just 17, is a remarkable example of his early talent. It is structured in sonata form, featuring themes that represent characters from the play. The piece begins with four chords that evoke the sounds of nature. The first theme represents fairies, while the second theme reflects the lovers’ emotions. The overture was not originally written for a performance of the play but was inspired by a German translation of Shakespeare’s work.

The incidental music, composed later, includes various movements that enhance the play’s narrative. Notably, the “Wedding March” has become one of the most recognised pieces of music. Mendelssohn’s ability to blend classical and romantic elements showcases his unique style and deep understanding of music’s storytelling power, making his work timeless and influential.

Felix Mendelssohn was a German composer, pianist, organist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. He is best known for works that combine lyrical brilliance with Classical clarity. His famous pieces include the overture and incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Italian and Scottish Symphonies, and the Violin Concerto in E minor. Born in Hamburg, he grew up in a cultured household. His grandfather was the Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. Felix was a child prodigy, but his parents were careful not to exploit his talent. His sister Fanny was also gifted, with some of her works published under his name.

Mendelssohn’s education included serious musical training and studies in languages and literature. A defining moment came in 1829 when he conducted a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, reviving Bach’s music. He became a key figure in Leipzig’s musical life, founding the Leipzig Conservatory in 1843. Mendelssohn’s later years were marked by overwork and declining health, and he died in Leipzig in 1847, aged 38.