Numerous composers have written orchestral works to introduce children to classical music, most famously Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. These three works take Prokofiev's model of a short story depicted in music, but with narration to introduce each scene. Wynton Marsalis is a renowned jazz saxophonist and has contributed to several film scores, although the one that sticks out in my mind is his work on James Horner's great music to the thriller Sneakers. The Fiddler and the Dancin' Witch is cast very much in the Prokofiev style of story; a boy plays a violin against his father's wishes and ultimately has to do a duel against a witch who claims the violin as her own. Naturally, the solo violin part is crucial, but with Joshua Bell on board, the performance is magical, if somewhat different to his usual fare. There is something of a Devil's Dance about a lot of the music, Marsalis doesn't shy away from some quite wild moments, but these enthrall rather than offend the ears. The composer's delivery of the narration has a whiff of Bill Cosby about it, but is as entertaining as the music.

Edgar Meyer is the only composer about whom I know almost nothing, but evidently he has made a name for fusing bluegrass styles with the orchestra, much like Kodaly and Bartok did with the native music of their own countries as well as writing for his own instrument, the double bass. However here, Meyer largely writes in a more traditional idiom that, rather unsurprisingly, evokes Copland, but also Meyer's contemporaries such as Michael Torke (although rarely so lively). There are hints of his favourite bluegrass riffs on occasion, but the music is largely somewhat low key and unlike Marsalis' work, is generally subservient to the narration and often wouldn't really be a great deal of interest on its own. However, as the story becomes more urgent, Meyer picks up the pace and frames the drama more effectively. In that respect, it's the most film music like of the three, but with Graham Greene's authoritative narration over the top, the results are still most enjoyable, even if the Native American story is a little too PC for its own good.

Anyone familiar with Patrick Doyle's film music will immediately recognise his graceful style from the opening bars of The Face in the Lake, but it doesn't take long for things to become more turbulent. If not necessarily the most technically accomplished of the three, Doyle's is perhaps the most delightful and picturesque, detailing the drama with a fairytale atmosphere. Doyle's experience as a film composer is clearly in evidence as he balances the multiple requirements of drama, storytelling and musicality that matches the story beautifully. This is all capped off by Kate Winslet's gently theatrical narration. I suspect that the Marsalis would likely appeal to children the most, his music and style of delivery for the narration are the most instantly engaging and almost steal the show. However, one would hope that any child, and indeed any adult, would enjoy the other delightful stories together with their tuneful and effective musical accompaniment. The performances throughout are fine and the liner note includes the text of each story, hopefully a helpful bonus for parents learning to read as well as discovering orchestral music.

Rating ~

The Fiddler & and the Dancin' Witch (Composed by Winton Marsalis)
1. Island in the Deep Green Sea (2:37)
2. Fiddle Ballad (2:32)
3. Trouble (1:14)
4. A Mind of Its Own (2:06)
5. Wind (3:27)
6. Fiddle Tune (5:44)
7. Island in a Deep Green Sea (Reprise) (1:36)
   Narrated by Winton Marsalis
8. The Lesson of the Land (19:51) (Composed by Edgar Meyer)
   Narrated by Graham Greene
9. The Face in the Lake (20:15) (Composed by Patrick Doyle)
   Narrated by Kate Winslet

Total Time ~ 59:41