Basket
Customer Reviews
| 1 Item(s) | Show per page |
-
Excellent for Young Children Review by Sarah Shaw - Music Teacher Magazine
Star Rating The gift bringer by Val Hawthorne is based on the Russian legend of baboushka and focuses strongly on the Christmas message of giving. It is well conceived for use by non-specialist teachers: the script is simple and can be sub-divided into short, easy-to-learn parts – excellent for young children. Some broad suggestions are given for percussion instruments, nothing too prescriptive, which again is very suitable for this age group. So far so good.
The foreword describes the songs as ‘varied but straightforward’. They are indeed straightforward but also tediously predictable. Virtually all are strophic with no variation at all, even in the copious reprises that punctuate the story. Melodies are uninspiring and lacking in charm with very little harmonic interest. Rhythms are limited to slow or medium –paced crotchets and quavers, and surely no child – or teacher - is going to relish learning three or even six repetitive verses for each song. What a shame, as otherwise this is an excellent reworking of an enchanting Christmas story
(Posted on 11/04/2011)
| 1 Item(s) | Show per page |
