For Narrator Children's Choir And Instrumental Accompaniment (Piano Version)-Following on the success of her two operatic works for children and teens – Douce et Barbe Bleue Les Fables Enchantées Little Thummie and Cendrillon (based on Perrault) as well as the adaptation of Maupassant’s short story The Dumpling (2014) – Isabelle Aboulker once again hits the bull’s eye with Myla And The Boat-Tree a commission from the Villecroze Music Academy. In 2015 this musical tale for Narrator Children’s Choir and Instrumental Accompaniment was awarded the “Music for Young Performers Prize” by the French Music Publishers Association. Both in the French version and MarciMeth’s excellent English translation it provides the material for an enthralling educational adventure in which children between the ages of five and eight are invited into their first experience of opera and choir singing. With her trademark finesse and sensitivity the composer tells the story of a little girl dealing with the death of a person she’d cherished above all: her grandfather. Written for choir in unison this tale wafts shimmering melodies over an instrumental accompaniment suffused in turn with gentle melancholy and light humour. An art that speaks from an open heart. The work was written in three versions: for Narrator Children’s Choir and Piano (AL30732) for Narrator Children’s Choir and Trio (Clarinet in Bb Cello and Piano: AL30733) for Narrator Children’s Choir and Instrumental Ensemble (Flute Oboe Clarinet in Bb Bassoon Horn Trumpet in C Trombone Percussion 2 Violins Alto Cello Bass: AL30734) Choral score: AL30743 Listen to Isabelle Aboulker talking about “Myla and the Boat-Tree”:

The first two carols of the set are Bennett’s own creations a study in contrasts. The first is a classic carol in common time with syncopation and a divisi Chorus. The second is the engaging African Crib Carol in 3+3+2/8 timeagain with divisi Chorus. The third is a lilting arrangement of a traditional Somerset carol. Separately or as a suite these three carols make a fine addition to seasonal school programming.F Roy Bennett was a respected musiceducator and author of the 20th century who wrote many books of music theory and history that are highly prized by primary and secondary school music teachers. As a composer he was a gifted writer of words and music for schoolchoirs as in this set of three carols.