Opal Wheeler's Great Musicians Series

The Polish Prodigy, Chopin is one of the greatest piano composers who ever lived; children will enjoy learning about his early years with this engaging "living book" biography. Discover how he grew up in music, his astounding performance at only nine years of age, and his beginning career in music alongside actual excerpts from some of his works. Track numbers reference the sold-separately Frederic Chopin Early & Later Years Companion CD (MP3) Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 156 pages, softcover.

Please Note: Cover design may vary.

The story of Chopin's life continues from Frederic Chopin: Son of Poland, Early Years, bringing to life the splendid events and music of his later life. The concerts, compositions, and travels of Chopin are brought to life in this charming biography. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 155 pages, softcover. Excerpts from Chopin are included to play, and also include the track number for the sold-separately Frederic Chopin Early & Later Years Companion CD (MP3).

Please Note: Cover design may vary.

This gentle biography tells Beethoven's life story; learn how he spent his youth practicing long hours at the piano, and how his hard work paid off as he went on to become celebrated across Europe. Delightful anecdotes and an engaging storytelling style will make this a favorite resource for reading, reports, and unit studies. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 146 pages, softcover. Selections of music are included, along with track numbers for the sold-separately Beethoven/Hadyn Companion CD.

Give your children a love for Haydn's compositions with this simple biography. From his boyhood to his early education to his adult life as a famous composer, this is one living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history, music, and other unit studies. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 118 pages, softcover. Ages 8-12.

The story of young Brahms, children will love the vivid descriptions of his childhood, from his family to his music lessons, his inspiration and dedication. A wonderful living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history, music, and other unit studies! Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm to the text, and included selections allow musicians to perform some of his works. Softcover, 152 pages. Grades K-6.

Please Note: Cover design may vary.

A detailed biography written for children, this story of the brilliant, young, and mischievous Franz Schubert is the perfect introduction to the young composer's life.

Learn how the "Unfinished Symphony" was left incomplete not because of any tragedy, but because his friends were starting for a picnic when he was in the middle of it; his pranks and escapades; and all about his beautiful music. Numerous selections are provided, including the March Militaire, the Moment Musicale, the theme of The Erlking, the Cradle Song and several more. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 124 pages, softcover.

Please Note: Cover design may vary.

This is the complete life of Bach written for children. Vivid descriptions bring the major events of Bach's life together, including his childhood: how he sat up many nights and copied music by the light of the moon, and how he walked two hundred miles to a choir school at Luneburg. Then his adult life: how he helped his wife Magdalena put the twenty children to bed every night; how he spread brown bread with honey for them to eat every afternoon; and how he taught them all to sing and play different kinds of music that Bach ever wrote.

Softcover, 126 pages. Grades K-6.

This classic children's work on Mozart will be enjoyed by all family members, whatever their age. Packed with history, biographical material, and music, Mozart, The Wonder Boy presents the musical genius of this child prodigy, the loving family in which he was reared, and the impact he had on the world around him and to generations beyond. Written for children in grades k-6. Softcover, 127 pages.

Introduce your children to the life and work of Richard Wagner with this simple, engaging biography. From his boyhood to the conclusion of his musical education and the beginning of his adult career writing operas, this is one living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history and music-based unit studies. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 151 pages, softcover. Ages 8-12.

Pagainini: Master of Strings is a delightful, detailed biography written for children; this story of the brilliant Paganini is the perfect introduction to the composer's life.

This living book will give children a vivid picture of his impoverished childhood spent among the wharves in Genoa, his introduction to the world of music and rise to prominence, and finally to his time spent in the finest courts in Europe. Two melodies from his first Concerto are also included. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 159 pages, hardcover.

A detailed biography written for children, this rendition of the life of George Frederic Handel captures the passion that he write into his music. Following the restless life of the composer from his early childhood love of music, through the end of his life as a musician in the employ of the English court, children will enjoy this charming tale of the genius composer. Pen and ink illustrations accompany the text, as well as excerpts of music to play. Track listings are given for a sold-separately CD.

This engaging biography will become a favorite on anyone's shelf! Learn about Schumann's happy life, and how his inability to play perfectly due to one of his fingers helped to fuel his compositions. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 157 pages, softcover. Musical selections are included, with track numbers referencing the sold-separately companion CD.

Please Note: Cover design may vary.