Magical Tunes & Marvelous Tales

“Magical Tunes & Marvelous Tales,” a product of The Studio Orchestra of the Plymouth Canton Symphony Society, brings a gentle mix of spoken work and beautiful orchestration. The Orchestra adds an emotional depth to the stories narrated as well as creating a musical story of their own. Not being a very avid classical music listener I expected a lack of enjoyment. However, the mix of musical energy as well technical precision made it very accessible.

I find the highlight of the album to be the song “Paddle to the sea.” The song evoked all sorts of emotions with sections of rapid staccato and also slower, dynamic sections. The best part about the track is that it’s narrated, as well as composed, by Occidental’s own Andre Myers. Myers, an Ann Arbor native, is a Professor of Music here at Occidental College. Myers also has a long running relationship with the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra’s CLASSical Music outreach program, visiting elementary schools in southeast Michigan. My personal favorite section of Myers composition (although that’s hard to choose in ten minutes of music) is the pounding timpani and brass stabs that made up the climax of the song and narration. It had the type of energy that I like hearing in orchestrations.

This CD can be checked out from the Herklotz Music Library, call number M 1000 .M34 WB38.