Peter And The Wolf

Description

« David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's Peter And The Wolf » (1978) is a classical music album in which David Bowie narrates Sergei Prokofiev's 1936 composition, « Peter and the Wolf ». The music is performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. The album reached number 136 on the US pop album chart. Side A features David Bowie's narration of a public domain text, Prokofiev's original work. Side B offers Eugene Ormandy conducting Benjamin Britten's « Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra » with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ormandy and the musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra also accompany Bowie on Side A. Critics praised the album, stating that Bowie « had found his most charming interpretation since Hunky Dory ». He tells the famous fable with his usual eloquence and style, and gives instructions at the beginning to help children understand the connection between the music and the story's characters. The accompaniment by the Philadelphia Orchestra is exceptional. The Music On Vinyl reissue includes detailed liner notes by Mary Campbell about the project, specifically designed to « introduce children to the sounds of the instruments of the symphony orchestra ». Prokofiev and Britten both composed their respective works with this aim in mind. « David Bowie Narrates Prokofiev's Peter And The Wolf » is available in a limited edition of 2,000 individually numbered copies on yellow vinyl. The record is presented in a deluxe linen-laminated sleeve and contains an insert with the liner notes.