JOHANN SEBASTIAN 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. In his Bach portrayal, Mr. Kobray relates stories from Bach's childhood, plays some early compositions, and then progresses into his adult life and times with his children, his employer squabbles, his jail time, and other notable events along with information and performances of his inventions and fugues.  Because of the musical information included in this presentation, the Bach DVD is probably most interesting to students who have at least elementary familiarity with Baroque terms and style.

DVD is 52 minutes long, presented in two parts.  Accessible for age 9-adult.  Study guide is included.  Good for studio, home school, classroom.

Brilliant pianist/actor Dennis Kobray portrays famous composers in live performances for school and community groups.  In these DVD's he  becomes Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin, and a friend of Scott Joplin by incorporating live piano performance, authentic character portrayal and costuming, and carefully researched story-telling to educate, inspire and entertain.  Other titles:

• WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: As a child prodigy, Mozart traveled with his sister under the tutelage of his father Leopold. Several of his most beloved early pieces are heard in this story, as well as some of his later masterpieces. His prolific works defined the Classical era of European music, and excerpts are heard in context as his tale unfolds.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.