Audio of the Week--Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Stories in Music Series)
RSSFrom SLJ February 2005
Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia -- School Library Journal, 01/31/2005
1 CD. 51:14 min. with tchr's guide. Prod. Magic Maestro Music. Dist. by Music for Little People (www.mflp.com). 2004. ISBN 1-932684-00-X. $16.98.
K-Gr 3-Author/illustrator Virginia Lee Burton's classic tale comes to life in this jubilant orchestral rendition. Composer and conductor Stephen Simon makes use of strings, brass, winds, and percussion in the telling of the tale, but no other instrument is used as effectively as the Irish bagpipes that present Mike's theme. Narrated by Yadu, this production faithfully follows the story of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Ann, as they prove their worth in the face of new technology. The 18-minute story appears twice on the CD--at the beginning and then again following segments that provide background information on the story, the author, and the composer's various musical techniques. There's also a vocal performance by opera singer James Shaffran of Mike Mulligan's theme song, a jazzy, infectious tune that will have kids singing along. Burton's story still strikes a chord despite its 1939 copyright, and Simon's joyful orchestration is sure to win new fans.
