Posts Tagged ‘William Blake’
William Blake’s SONGS OF INNOCENCE Illustrated and Set to Music by Ellen Raskin
Posted on: September 9, 2011
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(set slip cover)
I recently wrote a post about the Singable Picture Books of Illustrator, Graphic Artist, Poet, Writer, Composer Ellen Raskin. The quality, volume, and variety of her work is incredible. She is unique. I was originally attracted to her wonderful graphic illustrations but then found so much more to love and admire!
My post about Ellen Raskin included her volume of poems by William Blake. Many artists and composers have illustrated his poems and set his poetry to music, so her illustrations made an exciting Singable Picture Book find. But a little extra digging around revealed her own compositions for the poems, that these musical compositions were also illustrated in a book, and that both the volume of illustrated poems and volume of illustrated printed music were put together in a slip cased two book set!!
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(poems illustrated)
(music illustrated)
Songs of Innocence
Poems by William Blake
Music by Ellen Raskin
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
(Other composers have set these poems to music also)
This two book set in slip cover is a fabulous find!
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William Blake wrote and illustrated his poems for “Songs of Innocence and Experience,” in the late 18th century.
A wiki article about William Blake’s set of poems, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songs_of_Innocence_and_of_Experience
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Maurice Sendak Illustrated the Poems, too:
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William Blake
Poems by William Blake
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
More info about this work on BrainPickings.com
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Related Articles
ELLEN RASKIN
The Singable Picture Books of Author, Illustrator, Graphic Artist and Composer Ellen Raskin
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/singable-picture-books-of-ellen-raskin/
SINGABLE POETRY
An ever-expanding list of singable poems from compilations or singable poems creating individual Singable Picture Books
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/singable-poetry-a-list-of-poems-that-can-be-sung-from-illustrated-compilations-of-poetry-and-singable-picture-books/
I am thoroughly delighted by Ellen Raskin’s graphical illustrations. She illustrated a few wonderful Singable Picture Books.
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(set slip cover)
(poems illustrated)
(music illustrated)
Songs of Innocence
Poems by William Blake
Music by Ellen Raskin
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
(Other composers have set these poems to music also)
This two book set in slip cover is a fabulous find!
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Silly Songs and Sad
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
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A Paper Zoo (a Selection of Animal Poems)
Selected by Renee Karol Weiss
Poems and Music by Various Artists
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
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Piping Down the Valleys Wild (a Merry Mix of Verse for All Ages)
Poems and Music by Various Artists
Edited by Nancy Larrick
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
Above is cover art for the 1999 Yearling Publication
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Piping Down the Valleys Wild (a Merry Mix of Verse for All Ages)
Poems and Music by Various Artists
Edited by Nancy Larrick
Illustrated by Ellen Raskin
Above is cover art for the 1968 Delacourt Press First Printing
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Poems of Robert Herrick
Poems by Robert Herrick
Musical Settings by Various Artists
Illustrated Ellen Raskin
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Wiki article about Ellen Raskin, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Raskin
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Ellen Raskin’s papers as the University of Minnesota:
http://special.lib.umn.edu/findaid/xml/CLRC-64.xml
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More about Ellen Raskin, here:
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/authors/raskin/main.htm
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Groovy site about Ellen Raskin, here:
http://ellen.ravenbeauty.org/images.php
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Documentation and help finding recordings in this record of Ellen Raskin’s “Songs of Innocence” song cycle:
http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/assemble_texts.html?SongCycleId=3415
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Related Articles
SINGABLE POETRY
An ever-expanding list of singable poems from compilations or singable poems creating individual Singable Picture Books
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/singable-poetry-a-list-of-poems-that-can-be-sung-from-illustrated-compilations-of-poetry-and-singable-picture-books/
I wanted to sing “Late for School” in a cabaret since the first time I heard it. And, OH JOY, now it’s a Singable Picture Book.
The text of “Late for School” exactly matches the lyrics sung by Mr. Martin on his recording (a CD of the song comes packaged with the book!), so you can follow and sing-along with ease…but it WILL take a little practice. Those words fly!
The picture by C. F. Payne are fabulous and funny.
Late for School
Words and Music by Steve Martin
Illustrated by C.F. Payne
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“Late for School,” Mr. Martin’s madcap, crazy banjo song is on Track 4 (with vocals and banjo performed by Steve himself!). Plus, in February 2010, “The Crow” wins the Grammy for “Best Bluegrass Album.” WOW!! Is there anything Steve can’t do?
Buy the album, here:
http://stevemartin.com/stevemartin/music.html
The New York Times wrote a little item about his book release:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/books/14arts-COMEDICOVERA_BRF.html
Check out Steve Martin’s Official Website:
http://www.stevemartin.com/
Reviews of the book from Mr. Martin’s Official Website:
http://stevemartin.com/stevemartin/2010/08/advance-reviews-for-late-for-school.html
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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR CF PAYNE
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“Late for School” is illustrated by C. F. Payne. See and learn more about his work on his website:
http://www.cfpayne.com/
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VIDEOS
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A YouTube of Mr. Martin singing and playing the banjo:
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Steve Martin performed this song on Saturday Night Live (February 2009):
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/steve-martin-late-for-school/981401/
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Steve Martin talks about his book on Good Morning America:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9UhO1N7w8Q&feature=fvsr
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LATE FOR SCHOOL
Words and Music by Steve Martin
Woke up this mornin’,
clock said I was late for school,
teacher told me “that’s not cool”
gotta put my shirt and pants on,
flew down the front stair,
wet my fingers and slicked my hair,
elbowed grandma passing by,
her face went into a pie.
If I’m late there’s misery,
I won’t be up on history,
I’ll be in the English grammar slammer,
and I got a C.
Got a warning last semester,
told my mom and that depressed her,
promised dad I won’t be late, so got t’accelerate, let’s go!
Ran out the front door,
moving like a meteor,
I sped across the front lawn quickly,
missed the bus, my shoelace tripped me,
rounded the corner,
homework flying as I go,
neighbor shouted “tally ho!”
and gave a standing O.
Leapt across three lawn flamingos,
waved to Sal, (he’s Filipino)
jumped the fence,
and found that I was headed toward a pool.
in the air I did look funny,
on tv I’d make some money,
waved my arms and legs like mad
to alter where I’d land, WHOO!
Aimed for the rubber boat,
hit instead the kiddie float.
I began to lose control,
I’m so glad I learned to log roll.
jumped onto the diving board,
bounced off it then headed toward,
a jungle gym,
I bounced just right and caught onto a kite.
WHOA!
Up so high, I see the school,
8AM, that’s the rule!
flying slowly, time is marking,
down below the dogs are barking,
I feel like I’m sailing,
but uh-oh, the wind is failing,
now I’m headed downward, ground-ward,
clown-ward to the school.
On the football field I crashed,
50-yard line, perfect smash,
grabbed my books and so begins
my frantic final dash.
down the hall I ricochet,
trophy cases in the way,
the other kids are all in class,
I wish that I were they, WHOA!
ALMOST THERE!
I see the clock ends with the light,
8AM exactly right!
I pull a handle with a fight,
the door is locked and that’s not right
there’s not a person here today,
is everybody out to play?
now I’m thinking and it’s sinking in,
it’s Saturday!
OHH!! I could have stayed in bed!
I’m out the school gate
wish that I could aviate,
or possibly evaporate,
I’ll be home and back in bed soon,
my dad is waiting
“What the heck were you up to,
let’s go fishing,
my oh my, your grandma’s face is in a pie”
This is really something,
I’m with dad and fish are jumping,
mom gave me a new alarm
to set for Monday morn.
never wanna be late for school’
never wanna be the classroom fool,
I’d be in the English grammar, slammer,
and I get a D!
Now my feet are doing dances,
HIP HOORAY for second chances!
I’m not late and life is great, it’s time to celebrate, WHOA!
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Link to Steve Martin’s “Music and Liner Notes” website page for his brief description on how he came to write the song (scroll down and click on link for “Late for School”:
http://stevemartin.com/stevemartin/music.html
As you might guess, Steve Martin’s Website is very funny and surprises with hilarious treats:
http://stevemartin.com/
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“Late for School” is one of the songs in my cabaret:
“Oh, What a Beautiful Day: Sing Books with Emily, the Cabaret.”
My Song Craft Worksheet for LATE FOR SCHOOL,
Because the first section of the Song Craft Worksheet involves background research on the song, I’ll share the answers with you so you can know about the song, too. The more about the song you know (both concrete facts and less tangible artistic choices), the more authenticity and heart and soul you can put into the singing and sharing of the song with others. If you are interested in improving your artistic abilities for singing songs in any capacity, just simply filling out the Song Craft Worksheet is a great place to start! After the background research, the rest of the Song Craft Worksheet gets personal…don’t worry! I won’t bore you with that.
1 Q: Who wrote the words?
1 A: Steve Martin
2Q: Who wrote the music?
2A: Steve Martin
3Q: When was the song written?
3A: 2009
4Q: At what point in the lyricists’ and composer’s career was the song written?
4A: Middle
5Q: What is the song from?
5A: Steve Martin’s Grammy Award winning banjo CD, “The Crow,” and a picture book put out later that year.
6Q: If from a show, what character sang it?
6A: NA
7Q: If from a show, from what situation does the song arise? Why does the character sing the song? What function does the song/character play in the story?
7A: NA
8Q: What other contextual elements of the song are significant?
8A: Steve Martin first wrote this song as an instrumental and only later added the words.
9Q: Was the song written for a particular singer? Why?
9A: Mr. Martin wrote the song for himself to sing on his CD and it naturally became a picture book owing the visual nature of the words
10Q: If not from a show, why did the songwriter write the song?
10A: It was an instrumental banjo song and he ended up adding words.
11Q: What do you feel the lyricist is trying to say?
11A: The anxiety of a school kid trying to get himself to school on time, trying to stay out of trouble!
12Q: Does the song tell a story or just express feelings or ideas?
12A: This song tells a story…a crazy, funny, free-wheeling story!
13Q: Who else has recorded this song:
13A: Steve Martin…and soon…Emily!
The rest of the questions require personal answers and I will spare you those!
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SING BOOKS WITH EMILY
9/3/2018
LATE FOR SCHOOL, and Illustrated Song
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/05/01/late-for-school-by-steve-martin-a-singable-book/
This song is always a favorite with the kids. It’s fast paced, rolicking, adventurous and, (penned by Steve Martin) HILARIOUS!
Visit my blog for more information:
http://SingBooksWithEmily.wordpress.com
Like or Follow Sing Books with Emily on
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Come along and sing along with Emily
#SingBooksWithEmily
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#MusicConnectsUs
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RELATED POSTS
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LATE FOR SCHOOL, 9/09/2015
SONG OF THE DAY
Sing Books with Emily (SBWE), Illustrated Songs of the Day:
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/sbwe-songs-of-the-day/
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OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY: SING BOOKS WITH EMILY, THE CABARET
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/sing-books-with-emily-the-cabaret/
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FUNNY SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
That’s Hilarious! A List of Singable Picture Books that’ll Crack You Up!
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/thats-hilarious-a-list-of-singable-picture-books-thatll-crack-you-up/
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Celebrating a return to school day routine and nurturing the skills of getting along with others and good citizenship
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/singable-picture-books-for-back-to-school/
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ME AND PAUL REVERE, NOT QUITE YET, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/me-and-paul-revere-not-quite-yet-a-singable-picture-book/
The Lobster Quadrille (and Other Poems for Children), a Singable Picture Book and CD
Posted on: March 12, 2010
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The Lobster Quadrille (and Other Poems for Children)
Edited by Lucy Simon
Illustrated by Susan Bennett
This book, a compilation of eleven of the very best children’s poems, compliments Lucy and Carly Simon’s Album:
http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Songs-Children-Carly-Simon/dp/B001I1SFRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1268410711&sr=1-1\
I love this collection, made by the Simon Sisters when they were both very young ladies playing these songs in New York City coffee houses. The songs have an intimate feeling specific to that time and place, with the sisters’ voice complimenting each other, Lucy with her lovely soprano and Carly with her rich alto.
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Poems illustrated and set to music in the book, and on the CD, include:
- Wynken, Blynken and Nod (Eugene Field)
- Calico Pie (Edward Lear)
- The Lamplighter (Robert Louis Stevenson)
- The Owl and the Pussycat (Edward Lear)
- Sleep, Baby, Sleep (Traditional Lullaby)
- The Lamb (William Blake)
- The Lobster Quadrille (Lewis Carroll)
- Who Has Seen the Wind (Christina Rossetti)
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
- A Red, Red Rose (Robert Burns)
- A Pavane for the Nursery (William Jay Smith)
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Carly Simon’s Webpage for this work:
http://www.carlysimon.com/music/Sing_Songs_For_Children.html
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A great bit of information on how this album came to be, here:
http://www.allmusic.com/album/sing-the-lobster-quadrille-and-other-songs-for-children-mw0000958258
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A wiki written about the album:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simon_Sisters_Sing_the_Lobster_Quadrille_and_Other_Songs_for_Children
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Related Articles
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THE SPIDER AND THE FLY, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/the-spider-and-the-fly-a-singable-picture-book/
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CARLY SIMON
The Singable Picture Books of Carly Simon
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/the-singable-picture-books-of-carly-simon/
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POETRY SINGABLE POETRY IN COMPILATIONS
An list of singable poems from compilations of poetry for children
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/singable-poetry-a-list-of-poems-that-can-be-sung-from-illustrated-compilations-of-poetry-and-singable-picture-books/
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POETRY, SINGABLE POETRY IN INDIVIDUALLY ILLUSTRATED SINGABLE PICTURE BOOKS
A list of individually illustrated poems that have been set to music and can be sung
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/poems-individually-illustrated-spb/
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CHILDCRAFT
The singable poems in Childcraft, Volume 1, The Poems of Early Childhood (1954)
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/childcraft-poems-of-early-childhood-a-singable-collection-of-poetry/
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CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSES
Most Robert Louis Stevenson’s book of poetry for children have been set to music
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/a-childs-garden-of-verses-singable-poems-by-robert-louis-stevenson/
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EDWARD LEAR
A list of books with musical settings of, and illustrating Singable Picture Book versions of, Edward Lear’s poems:
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/singable-picture-book-spotlight-1302011-edward-lear-and-william-mathias-learsongs/
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AULD LANG SYNE, A SINGABLE PICTURE BOOK (Poem by Robert Burns)
https://singbookswithemily.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/auld-lang-syne-favorite-new-years-eve-song-exhibit-at-morgan-library-in-nyc/
