The Moon on the One Hand: Poetry in Song

By William Crofut

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689500181
• ISBN13: 9780689500183
• Release Date: March 1975
• Publisher: Atheneum
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Age Range: 6 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 9

Customer Reviews

From Front Flap of First Edition, 1975

From Front Flap of First Edition, 1975 "Bill Crofut is widely known as part of the folk-music team of Addiss and Crofut and the duo "Folk & Baroque" with Kenneth Cooper. In 1967, a friend sent him an anonymous nursery rhyme, A Man of Words, with the suggestion he set it to music. In writing that music, he realized the marvelous possibilities of using great verse in song. It is not a new idea, but for him it represented a fresh approach. Selecting poetry to make into songs became a process shared with his own children to whom this book is dedicated. They often brought home books of poetry from the library and suggested new ideas for songs. Fifteen of those songs are included here. They represent an unusual blend of elements: fine poetry set in a folk style and arranged for children and young adults to sing and play. Among the poets represented are Robert Louis Stevenson, Randall Jarrell, James Stephens, Hilaire Belloc, and e.e. cummings. Some of the songs are singable and playable almost at sight, like "The Wind," "Little Trotty Wagtail," and "Child's Song." Others will take some putting together. The arrangements include a variety of styles and a variety of instrumental possibilities. Piano notes and guitar chords are given, but the harpsichord could be effective for certain of the songs, and there are obbligato parts for recorders that can be played on flutes, violins, or harmonicas, or sung to the words of the song. This lively and charming collection will be used with great pleasure by families, in schools and libraries, and wherever young and old gather to make music." Illustrated by Susan Crofut ALL AGES