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Brilliant
pianist/actor Dennis Kobray becomes Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin, and a
friend of Scott Joplin in these videos. He incorporates live piano performance,
authentic character portrayal and costuming, and carefully researched
story-telling to educate, inspire and entertain. Age 8 up. A study guide is included with this DVD. Good for studio, home
school, classroom.
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WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Discover the world of Mozart’s
time. . .what life was like for this brilliant musician, both personally and
professionally. His prolific works defined the Classical era of European
music, and excerpts are heard in context as his tale unfolds.
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LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: In the wake of the French Revolution,
Beethoven redefined the role of the musician from servant to artist. His
stormy and passionate music mirrors both the joys and struggles of this deaf
genius. Dennis Kobray portrays the essence of the man and his music with both
insight and dynamic piano performance.
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SCOTT JOPLIN: Portraying a friend and student of the
African-American musician at the turn of the twentieth century, Dennis Kobray
explores what life was like socially and personally for a Black man of
Joplin’s talents. The “King of Ragtime” drew on West African rhythms,
European harmonies and plantation songs to create a new and distinctly
American genre, and viewers will experience them all in this toe-tapping
ragtime portrayal.
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GEORGE GERSHWIN: George Gershwin was the epitome of the
American success story. His beloved pieces are performed by Dennis Kobray in
an energetic portrayal of one of America’s most treasured musicians.
Beginning with Gershwin’s childhood on the streets of New York as the child
of immigrants, the story unfolds to include his partnership with lyricist
brother Ira as they went from Broadway to Hollywood. Includes many of his best
known and most beloved pieces.
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JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: Bach was the personification of the
Baroque style – a music that was complex and highly embellished. Bach
influenced almost every style of western music, past and present.
Yet this genius who composed by candlelight was unheralded in his own
time. Dennis Kobray brings the eighteenth century to life with stories and
performances of Bach’s masterpieces on the clavichord, harpsichord and grand
piano.
WHAT OTHERS SAY:
“Should serve nicely as primary
resources for school music programs”
School Library Journal
“How do we introduce children to the
great composers? Meet the Musicians
videos just might be the ticket to
plant the seed.”
New York Daily News
“A valuable contribution to one’s
appreciation for music.”
Children’s Video Report
“[He] enchanted our audiences during
the week of the national Symphony’s
Young People’s Concerts. Orchestra
members praised [his] skills and dynamic
stage presence.”
Carole J., Wysocki, N.S.O. Education Director, Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
“Mr. Kobray performed for an
enthusiastic, sold-out audience. The show was
tremendously appealing. . .enjoyed
by young and old alike.”
Susan Swarthout, Discovery Theatre Director, Smithsonian Institution,
Washington D.C.
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