Hallelujah Handel - Hardcover

Cowling, Douglas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439058503 ISBN 13: 9780439058506

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2003

Synopsis

A stunning picture book inspired by the beloved "Hallelujah Chorus," and the remarkable story of Handel's personal mission to spread peace and joy.

Somewhere in a darkened room behind London's famous Opera House there is a young, orphaned boy with a mysterious past and an extraordinary talent: he sings like an angel, but refuses to speak. Through the generosity and and kindness of George Frederic Handel, the power and glory of his majestic music and the sometimes painful memories the composer reveals about his own life, the young boy's spirit and soul are healed, unlocking the voice of an angel.

About this title

About the Author:

Douglas Cowling is a writer, musician and educator with a lifelong interest in bringing classical music to wider audiences. He has written for magazines, is heard frequently on CBC Radio, teaches and has produced for educational television. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two sons. Jason Walker is a successful commercial artist. This is his first picture book.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-This story is the vehicle for connecting Handel's Messiah with the Foundling Hospital to which he left the score after his death. Thomas is a street child in 18th-century London, mute except for a beautiful singing voice exploited by the Keeper, who uses children for his own greedy aims. George Frideric Handel has pleased the King with his joyful compositions and is recognized wherever he goes. Thomas and his friends first come to Handel's attention when they carry his harpsichord from the royal barge. Handel decides he can help Thomas and goes in search of him among the street children, only to learn that he has disappeared. He sets off with a group of children to find him, following clues that ultimately lead them to the opera house where, backstage, they find the boy singing "like a lost, lonely angel." Handel takes the children to live at the Foundling Hospital where Thomas, joining the chapel singers in the "Hallelujah Chorus," finds a home for his beautiful voice. While the story is contrived to place the composer and his music in context for young readers, it is filled with colorful details of time and place and illustrated with lush, full-page paintings opposite every page of text. An author's note provides factual perspective to this accessible slice of music history.
Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0439058503
• ISBN 13: 9780439058506
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Walker Jason