Music for Children: Five Works by Iconic Classical Composers

Beyond the Notes presents

Beyond the Notes: The Nutcracker and the Elephant King

Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, 12:00 PM

Charles Library Event Space

Light refreshments served. Boyer recital credit given.

All programs are free and open to all, and registration is encouraged.

This month, Beyond the Notes will be featuring a a whimsical hour of musical storytelling and wonder with Francis Poulenc’s The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant and Peter Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. In honor of these works inspired by children’s stories, we will explore some other notable pieces for children. These pieces often combine educational elements with imaginative storytelling, making them ideal for introducing young listeners to the joys of classical music. Among the most notable composers to craft music for children are Sergei Prokofiev, Benjamin Britten, Maurice Ravel, Edward Elgar, and Béla Bartók. In this article, we will focus on five pieces, some more well known than others, that have played a role in children’s classical music education: Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Britten, Ma Mère l’Oye by Ravel, The Starlight Express by Elgar, and For Children by Bartók.

Sergei Prokofiev – Peter and the Wolf (1936)

Soviet era illustration of Peter and the Wolf (source)

Perhaps the most iconic work for children in the classical repertoire is Sergei Prokofiev‘s Peter and the Wolf (1936). Written for narrator and orchestra, the piece was specifically composed to introduce children to the different sections of the orchestra. Each character in the story is represented by a particular instrument, making it easy for young listeners to learn the distinctive sounds of the orchestra, as shown in this performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

In this musical fairy tale, the character of Peter is represented by the strings, the bird by the flute, the duck by the oboe, and the wolf by the horns, among others. The story follows Peter’s adventure as he, against the advice of his grandfather, sets out to capture a wolf with the help of his animal friends. The simple narrative, paired with clear musical themes for each character, makes Peter and the Wolf an engaging way to familiarize children with both orchestral instruments and basic storytelling through music.

Prokofiev’s work has remained a staple in children’s concerts and educational programs worldwide. It has even found a place in more contemporary storytelling, as when The HBO series Fargo memorably used the opening of the piece in an episode from season 3. The blend of musical accessibility, the use of narration, and the charming storyline make it a memorable introduction to the world of classical music for young audiences.

Benjamin Britten – The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (1946)

Album cover for Young Person's Guide featuring Britten himself — Album cover for *Young Person’s Guide* featuring Britten himself (source)

Another standout piece in the classical repertoire for children is Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (1946). Written as part of a commission for a British educational documentary film, this work, like Peter and the Wolf was designed to give young listeners an understanding of the different sections of the orchestra.

The piece opens with a simple theme based on a work by Henry Purcell, which is then passed through each of the orchestra’s sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Each section performs a variation of the theme, demonstrating its distinct sound and timbre. Britten’s use of variation not only highlights the individual qualities of each instrument family but also provides a musical demonstration of orchestral textures. The piece concludes with a lively fugue, where all the sections come together, showing how they can work in harmony to create a complex musical texture.

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is as educational as it is enjoyable, offering young listeners the opportunity to explore the world of orchestral music through a rich and dynamic piece. It remains an essential work in introducing children to the orchestra and is often performed in schools and family concerts. The piece has also found a place in popular culture, notably in Wes Anderson’s 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom. In the film, Britten’s vibrant orchestral work underscores the adventurous and whimsical spirit of the story, connecting the musical exploration of the orchestra with the youthful energy of the film’s protagonists. This use of The Young Person’s Guide serves as a testament to its enduring relevance and its ability to captivate both young audiences and adults alike.

Maurice Ravel – Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite) (1910)

Maurice Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite) is a collection of piano pieces based on fairy tales, later orchestrated for full orchestra. Composed in 1910, the suite tells stories familiar to children, such as Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and Beauty and the Beast.

Illustration from a French edition of Mother Goose Tales published in 1764 — Illustration from a French edition of *Mother Goose Tales* published in 1764 (source)

The music’s delicate orchestration and lush melodies evoke the magical worlds of the fairy tales, drawing children into the fantastical scenes with vivid musical imagery. For example, Sleeping Beauty is represented with a flowing, dreamy theme, while Tom Thumb is depicted with playful, whimsical gestures. Ravel’s use of orchestral color and his ability to evoke the mood of each tale makes this piece a captivating introduction to the world of classical music for young listeners. The work is often performed in concerts aimed at families, where it is especially appreciated for its ability to transport audiences of all ages into the magical world of fairy tales.

Though originally composed for piano, Ravel’s orchestral version of Ma Mère l’Oye has become one of his most beloved works, cherished for its beauty and its accessibility to young audiences. It offers both an engaging narrative and an excellent opportunity to learn about orchestral texture and instrumentation.

Edward Elgar – The Starlight Express (1915)

Edward Elgar’s The Starlight Express is a charming work written in 1915 to accompany the children’s play of the same name by Violet Pearn. The play is described on elgar.org as “a nonsensical piece of escapism,” wherein “a family of children, trapped in the oppressive world of adults, forms a secret society whose members collect stardust and live in star caves. The [sic] seek to rescue their parents from an earthly existence and eventually succeed, taking them also to a star cave.”

Front cover of the 1916 Pianoforte Suite version of "The Starlight Express" — Front cover of the 1916 Pianoforte Suite version of “The Starlight Express” (source)

The music evokes the sense of a magical journey, taking the listener aboard the “Starlight Express,” a mystical train traveling through a starry night. The piece is full of vivid orchestral colors and rhythmic energy, painting a picture of the night sky and the fantastic adventures of the train as it journeys through a world of imagination.

While the play was not considered a success, Elgar’s talent for melody and orchestration shines through in the music, which is both whimsical and accessible to young listeners. The lighthearted nature and captivating music of The Starlight Express has made it an enduring example of how orchestral music for children can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Béla Bartók – For Children (1908)

Béla Bartók’s For Children (1908) is a collection of simple piano pieces written with young pianists in mind. Unlike the other works, which were meant to be performed for children, this music was meant to be performed by children. The series includes 85 short pieces, which are designed to introduce children to various aspects of music, such as rhythm, melody, and musical form.

Cover of the First Edition of For Children — Cover of the First Edition of *For Children* (source)

These pieces offer an excellent opportunity for young listeners to engage with folk-inspired melodies and rhythmic patterns that reflect Bartók’s interest in Hungarian folk music. The simple, yet expressive nature of these pieces makes them highly accessible, while also providing a rich musical experience for young ears. While For Children is written for piano students, its folk-like melodies and rhythmic patterns make it enjoyable for anyone, regardless of age.

In addition to being an educational tool for aspiring pianists, For Children offers an engaging listening experience for young audiences. The music’s clear, memorable melodies, paired with the folkloric influences, make it an excellent introduction to Bartók’s musical language and an enjoyable way for children to learn about music from different cultures.

Music for Childhood, and a Lifetime

These five works—Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye, Elgar’s The Starlight Express, and Bartók’s For Children—stand as pillars of classical music written for children. Each piece is designed to be accessible, engaging, and educational, offering young listeners a chance to explore the richness of orchestral and piano music. Whether through storytelling, introducing orchestral instruments, or drawing on the world of fairy tales and folk music, these works have proven to be enduring favorites for both children and adults alike, helping to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for classical music.

Suggested Listening:

Bartók, Béla, For Children (Für Kinder), M1378.B29 G948 2017 Bd. 1 and 2

Beach, Amy, Peter Pan: Cycle of Songs for Three Part Chorus of Women’s Voices with Piano Accompaniment, op. 101, M1570.3.B4 op.101 1923x

Britten, Benjamin, The Little Sweep, M1995.B853L5

Debussy, Claude, The Children’s Corner, M24.D29C4

Dukas, Paul, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, M1002.D85 A67 2014

Elgar, Edward, Starlight Express, Music Online Classical Scores Library

Ellington, Duke (arr.), The Nutcracker Suite, M1366.T33 S5 2010

Fauré, Gabriel, Dolly Suite, M203 .F35 op. 56 1953

Fraser-Simson, Harold, The Hums of Pooh, M1997.F84 P6 1985

Herbert, Victor, Babes in Toyland, M1503.H535B3x

Humperdinck, Engelbert, Hansel and Gretel, M1503.H926H2 1969