Mark McKenzie

The Lion and the Mouse

Composer Fryderyk Chopin / Józef Elsner / The Lost Child

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I love the ground breaking new definitive biography of Chopin called “Fryderyk Chopin: A Life and Times” by Alan Walker.

Chopin’s composition teacher Józef Elsner had these maxims on his office door. They demonstrate how a fine composition teacher thinks.

“It is a bad master who is not surpassed by his student.

The study of composition should not be restrained by observing too many petty rules, especially by students who’s gifts are self evident. Allow them to discover the rules for themselves.

One should never expose a student to just one point of view. It is not enough for a student to equal his or surpass his master, rather, he should create his own individuality.

An artist should open himself to his surroundings. Only then, and only through such influences can he attain his true self.

Each part of a composition should share the same objective. It should belong to the whole. Otherwise the beauty of a work is lost, for all beauty arises from the union of multiple parts.”

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Stunning New Revision of The Lion and the Mouse, a children’s Introduction to the Symphony Orchestra available soon

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We are very happy to introduce the stunning new revision of “The Lion and the Mouse,” an introduction to the orchestra based on Aseops fable by that name. The revision introduces more instruments, is more entertaining, easier to perform, has a more colorful orchestration and stronger themes. We’re excited to get the new version into the hands of conductors very soon. It can be prepared in one rehearsal.  Contact us for more information. For reference, here is a performance of the old version recorded in 20 minutes in Europe with a 10 year old girl narrating.  This old version has been repeatedly performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra and The Utah Symphony among others.

Instrumentation:

WW = 3/2/3/3
Flute 1 (Doubles on picc)
Flute 2 (Doubles on Picc)
Flute 3 (Doubles on Alto Fl.)
Oboe 1
Oboe 2 (doubles on English Hn.)
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3 (doubles on Bass Clarinet)
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
Bassoon 3 (doubles on Contra)

4 Horns
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
1 Tuba

Timpani and 3 Percussion
Narrator
Harp
Celesta

Full String Section

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