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]]>I read long ago the book “Novecento” by Alessandro Baricco: a brilliant theatrical monologue which narrates the story of Danny Boodman “Novecento”. He was abandoned on the transatlantic Viginian soon after his birth and never got off that ship. He becomes a pianist that relieves passengers from their fear of the ocean by playing his terrific music.
© Pedro Armestre/ Greenpeace Handout – Photo curtesy of Greenpeace
I could not forget this text when I saw that world renowned pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi played this June a historic concert. Ludovico performed his own composition, Elegy for the Artic, on a floating platform in the Arctic Ocean against the backdrop of the Wahlenbergbreen glacier (in Svaldard, Norway).
I kindly ask you to dedicate the following minutes to watch this video and listen to his beautiful composition. Einaudi’s music reflects purity and delicacy, and through his music Einaudi has added his voice to those of eight million people from across the world demanding protection for the Arctic.
The Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise carried Einaudi, the grand piano and eight million voices to Svalbard. Speaking on-board the Arctic Sunrise, Einaudi said” It is important that we understand the importance of the Arctic, stop the process of destruction and protect it”. But despite the significance and scale of the Arctic problem, it is actually the least protected ocean.
Nature is speaking, but we are not listening! Please watch with your family and share this second video about the ocean’s role in our climate. It is our present, our future, our children’s future!
Please add your voice! For complete information visit Greenpeace and Save the Arctic.
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We travelled on 21st May to Milan and for the first time we enjoyed as a family Piano City Milano (5th edition), considered the “city’s soundtrack”.
I have visited previously on several occasions Milano, but never before I had experienced the city as an open city, with concerts in the most unexpected places, with music on trams, and with the city turned into a big stage.
The 2016 edition of Piano City Milano was a two-day & night journey that told the story of the city. Milanese people opened the doors of their houses and the gates of their yards, creating a social and sharing ocassion.
Piano City Milano brought music everywhere, above all in areas which normally don’t host any concert, and turning Milano into a great concert hall.
It is an amazing event for the whole family as it also features Piano Kids: events, workshops and lessons for the little ones ( from 0 to 12)
The storytelling of this “Music Marathon” is told in this video. I am sure you are going to love it and discover Milano through its music:
I truly recommend it and I am looking forward to the 2017 edition of Piano City Milano!
Photos curtesy of Piano City Milano
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]]>Johann Strauss I is probably one of the most famous Austrian composers. His waltzes are a great place to start when it comes to choosing classical music tracks for kids to listen to.
Research has proven that classical music has numerous positive effects on children’s development and health. Also, classical music sets a relaxed and calm environment and music is key for understanding other cultures.
Here are 3 cartoons suggestions that present Strauss’ music and Austrian music culture in a fun way for kids.
MERRIE MELODIES: A CORNY CONCERTO.
Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig and what appears to be a young Daffy Duck in a classic 1943 Merrie Melodies cartoon, now in public domain.
A parody of Disney’s Fantasia, featuring Johann Strauss’ Tales from the Vienna Woods and The Blue Danube. Directed by Bob Clampett:
THE BLUE DANUBE
Probably Strauss’ most popular waltz, composed in 1866. The Blue Danube is the common English title of “An der schönen blauen Donau” (German for “By the beautiful Blue Danube”). It is also one of my favorite pieces, as I met my husband in Vienna in a waltz class… but that’s another story!
This wonderful MGM cartoon, directed by Hugh Harman, presents beautifully this masterpiece.
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]]>We visited NYC when my kids were just 5 and 2 years old and every single day they would ask us if they could visit again their 2 favorite toy stores: FAO Schwarz and the Lego Store at the Rockefeller Center.
FAO Schwarz flagship store in New York (located at 767 5th Avenue @ 58th St.) is a must-see destination. It is a world famous toy store where kids are greeted by the store’s real-life Toy Soldiers. Their larger-than-life piano, featured in the film BIG, was one of our favorite attractions.
The Lego Store at the Rockefeller Center (620 Fifth Avenue @ 50th Street) is also a great toy store. They have different consumer-friendly play areas, innovative displays and lots of Lego sets built all over the store. There is also a living room with an interactive play area in the center of the store. We found some products that are hard to find in Madrid and some LEGO Exclusives also.
The store displays the whole Rockefeller Center in Legos, very true to the real building.
I hope that we can return soon to NYC and discover many other toy stores.
I would like to wish a Happy 4th of July to all our American readers.
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