World Premiere of “That’s My Piano, Sir!” (the video!)

Seems to me that if you’re going to make a video out of a picture book that relies heavily on music, you need to put your back into it. Give it all you’ve got. Some gusto! Some pizzazz! And in the case of today’s video premiere, make it feel like it comes from one of my favorite childhood shows, Reading Rainbow.

That’s My Piano, Sir! by Ana Gerhard, illustrated by Marie Lafrance, is the first book from the Little Stories of Great Composers series. The description reads:

He is no ordinary boy, sporting a white wig and elegantly dressed in red velvet, on his way to playing several concerts in the city. To the surprise of all, he proudly begins to play with his sister for the tired customs officer and gloomy dockworkers. The evening air begins to glisten and soon, everyone&;s faces are beaming, their ears ringing with music! Included are introductory notes on the composer along with recordings of the narrated story and the composition &;The Little Night Music&; (&;Eine Kleine Nachtmusik&;).

Why did I invoke Reading Rainbow earlier? Because this particular video reminds me of when that show would mildly animate picture books and get a celebrity to do the narration. Case in point, this is narrated by Colm Feore, which may not excite anyone but my Stratford Festival-loving family (on non-COVID years we are always trekking out to Ontario) where we have seen him perform multiple times.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, That’s My Piano, Sir!

Thanks to Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain for the link.

Filed under: Videos