This comprehensive guide to the Ninth Symphony offers insight into more than just the composition and structure of Beethoven's monumental work. It explores the controversial realm of period instruments and performance techniques, and challenges old assumptions about the sound and meaning of the music. Levy surveys and distils the latest research on the Ninth Symphony - material inaccessible to most general readers - and sets forth the elements that give this composition its pre-eminence as a symphony and the artistic choices that make it a monument of Western music. Levy begins in the present with the recent performances and interpretations on the Ninth. He then moves back in time to Beethoven's day to chart the progress that led the composer to produce, over a ten year period, the finished manuscript in 1824. The heart of the book is a clear, concise examination of the music itself. Through musical examples and analytical charts, Levy illuminates the inner workings of the Ninth for scholars and devotees alike. He shows how the Ninth cast its long shadow on the 19th century, and explains why this work continues to move and inspire audiences today.

In a colorful lifttheflap book, Blue, Steve, and the gang spend a fun day playing outside and romping around in the fresh new snow. Original.

Watch Steve and Blue as they discover what things are growing in their backyard, and learn that plants and animals grow just like people do.

The discover of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet, which collided with Jupiter, and one of the world's foremost astronomers offers a fascinating introduction to the amazing world of the universe, discussing such topics as the solar system, stars, galaxies, comets, eclipses, and other astronomical phenomena and offering tips on how to become an amateur astronomer. Original.

Blue isn't having a good day at school because she spilled her milk all over Orange Kitten and Magenta used all the purple paint, in a story that shows readers how to handle tricky situations.

Product Description: Periwinkle is coming over to Blue's house for a visit. Join Blue as she cleans the house and makes lunch for her friend. And find out what Periwinkle brings as a surprise!

Product Description: Green Puppy accidentally breaks Magenta's favorite crayon and feels so bad that she doesn't tell her. That makes Green Puppy feel really bad! With the help of Blue and her other friends, Green Puppy figures out the best way to say "I'm sorry" to her friend.