Tag Archives: music

Mozart’s Starling (by Lyanda Lynn Haupt)

31932836I came across this book at a book event a few month ago. Not knowing much about Mozart or starling, I started reading not knowing what to expect (except for the fact that the person at the even spoke highly of it).

I usually read non-fictions pretty slowly, but not this time. Mozart’s Starling is a lighthearted charming little book inspired by starlings, the most hated birds among ornithologists since it is considered an aggressive invader to the local species, and the fact that the most well respected composer in the world Mozart had a pet starling during his most productive and turbulent years of his short life. In order to understand the bird and how it is like living with one, Haupt raised a baby starling. This book is a mixture of fun facts, unknown history, and reflection on inspiration, harmony, and the natural world.

Part natural history, part story, Mozart’s Starling will delight readers as they learn about language, music, and the secret world of starlings.

You might also like…

The Urban Bestiary

Crow Planet

The Hidden Life of Trees

Wesley the Owl

Corvus

Mozart

The Thing with Feathers

 

 

Aventine

available at VPLI didn’t really know what to expect when I clicked on a friend’s twitter link that gushed about an artist I’d never heard of and her upcoming concert taking place in Toronto, but I am SO GLAD I did! (On second thought, I should really never have doubted her taste in music. What was I thinking?)

Just a quick listen through Agnes Obel’s soundcloud had me immediately searching up in another tab the availability of her CDs here at VPL. And while I’m not one to really know what exactly to talk about when it comes to music, I’m going to bring her to your attention if nothing else. Obel’s music is an incredibly beautiful, soft, and haunting moment reminiscent of a fairytale or a daydream. She’s amazing, and she’s COMING TO TORONTO FOR A CONCERT (March 4th, in case you’re interested)!

And if you enjoy what you’re listening to, you might also enjoy these ones:

1. Lucy Rose – Like We Used To

2. Safia Nolin

3. Ludovico Einaudi

4. Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms