"...it is the evident quiet approbation which best pleases me It is apparent that this opera is rising rapidly and steadily in estimation." -- Mozart, letter to his wife, October 7-8, 1791.
Unfortunately, his tragic death a scant two months later prevented Mozart from ever realizing the full accuracy of this observation, made a few performances after the cool reception given The Magic Flute at its Viennese premiere.
In May 1791, Mozart's friend Emanuel Schikaneder commissioned The Magic Flute. In keeping with the popular level of this theater, Schikaneder himself supplied Mozart with the libretto about the rescue of a good fairy's daughter from a wicked magician by a hero armed with a magic flute. After a good deal of the music was written, the composer and librettist -- both Freemasons -- grafted Masonic ideals onto the plot, transforming a simple fairy tale into a moralistic allegory and a Singspiel into one of the world's greatest operas.
This handsome, moderately priced volume, reprinted directly form an authoritative edition, will enable musicians, music students, and opera lovers to gain a fuller appreciation of Mozart's mastery of operatic language, orchestral color, and dramatic expression. A helpful feature of this edition is the inclusion of all spoken dialog, usually abbreviated in other editions.

(Big Note Songbook). 20 songs popularized on the silver screen, including: Breakaway * I Believe I Can Fly * I Will Remember You * Kokomo * Somewhere Out There * Tears in Heaven * What a Wonderful World * and more.

Titles include: Magic to Do * Simple Joys * Corner of the Sky * No Time at All * Spread a Little Sunshine.

Alice Kay Kanack's method focuses on enhancing the natural creative ability of children through the use of improvisation. The book begins with an introduction to the philosophies of her method, then guides the parent or teacher through a series of improvi

The Contemporary Piano Literature series includes a selection of music written for children by Bart�k, Gretchaninov, Kabalevsky, Prokofiev, Scott, Shostakovich and Stravinsky. In addition, the books contain pieces composed specifically for this series by Ross Lee Finney, David Kraehenbuehl, Douglas Moore, Elie Siegmeister, Alexandre Tansman and Alexander Tcherepnin. Short biographies and portraits help make composers come alive for the student. None of the music is so far in the vanguard that it is difficult to enjoy or understand.

The first complete collection of Dylan Thomas's screenplays offers a unique portrait of his life and times as a professional film writer.

(Music Sales America). The complete songbook from the greatest singer/songwriter of all time Now with every song together in one giant volume, the ultimate Dylan songbook features over 329 tunes including all of his greatest hits as well as his lesser-known work. With melody line, chord symbols and full lyrics. Songs include: Blowin' in the Wind * Forever Young * Just Like a Woman * Mr. Tambourine Man * She Belongs to Me * Tangled Up in Blue * The Times They Are Changin' * Visions of Johanna * and hundreds more.

Fame * Dogs in the Yard * Hot Lunch Jam * I Sing the Body Electric * Is It Okay If I Call You Mine? * Never Alone * Ralph and Monty (Dressing Room Piano) * Red Light.

Hopson's service of Tenebrae follows a tradition of the early church dating back to the eighth century, and commemorates the final hours of Christ's life on earth as He prepared for and suffered death on the cross. Tenebrae: A Service of Darkness m

Renowned for its celebrated slow movement, Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 is one of his most popular works. Written in 1812, when the 42-year-old composer was at the peak of his powers, it demonstrates the mastery of a mature artist in complete control of his craft. His command of symphonic form, thematic development, and orchestral texture is everywhere evident in this remarkable composition.
Reprinted here from the authoritative Litolff edition, this work appears in full score with bar-numbered movements for easy reference. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high-quality, conveniently sized volume will be the edition of choice for music students and music lovers alike.