Destined to go down in history as a classic,
April 9, 2008 Initially I thought I was going to be jealous of children because they have this brand new classic, but then I realised that one doesn't have to be a child to enjoy "The Runaway Bunny." Glen Rove has created a new masterpiece that is destined to entertain and enthral children in the tradition of such classics as "Peter & The Wolf."
When you listen to the music you can actually visualize the story, bunny hops and all. "The Runaway Bunny" can ignite a child's already vivid imagination and rekindle the imagination of adults. In other words Glen Rove has created a gift for your senses. I suggest you pick up a copy whether you have a child or not.
Peter Anthony Holder
Classic Book spawns a new classic,
May 8, 2008 From the standpoint of a parent, it's great to see one of my son's favorite books come to life again, in a brand new form. From the standpoint of a musician and violinist, it's equally exciting to see to find this classic book at the heart of a fine new violin concerto by an important American composer.
Ittai Shapira's playing is at once expressive and virtuosic. Brooke Shields is spot-on in the vocal characterizations. The recording quality is superlative, as is the Royal Philharmonic under Stephen Fry. It's a fine concerto, splendidly written for the instrument, with the point and energy of Stravinsky, the warmth of Barber and the humor of Prokofiev, all wrapped in a wonderful mix. Glen Roven's Runaway Bunny deserves to take its place in the pantheon of great modern violin literature.
Runaway Bunny a Runaway Hit,
April 10, 2008 I loved this! What a simple, yet great idea: setting a classic nighttime story to music. Glen Roven is a genius: somehow he has managed to transform the magic of an impish little bunny and a deeply caring mother from words on the page to notes in the air.
I really think this adaptation should be a regular complement to all orchestra performances featuring "Peter and the Wolf." It's one of those rare pieces of art that captivates kids and parents. Brilliant!
-Sally, co-host "Walking on Air with Betsy and Sal"
Brainy, beautiful and charming,
April 10, 2008 This musical translation of the beloved bedtime story is smart enough for adults, but so sweet and transporting that it's also perfect for kids. From the virtuosic violin work to the comforting ending, I've come to think of it as the perfect gift.
Let me also post this review, which I put up quite a while ago on amazon uk:
This is a terrific compilation, but of the three, the piece I return to most frequently is The Runaway Bunny. It's the work's ambition, I think, that so impresses me, for though the familiar story is simple and dear, the music--both the composing and the performance--is thoroughly virtuosic. I recently paired The Runaway Bunny with Peter and the Wolf for a course I taught on cultural transformations, and damned if the Bunny didn't absolutely hold its own against the Wolf! No kidding: essential.
A Winner,
April 10, 2008 Yes, even a grown-up child like myself loved this CD! The Runaway Bunny has it all: a classic story, celebrity clout, and serious, fun, good music - it's a winner! So many orchestras and parents are trying to get children familiar with orchestral music, most of the times it's a challenge, but listening to this CD it seems an easy task, with such playful, energetic, fun music. Makes me wonder how come no one thought of adapting this story before?
This is 5 starts for grown ups and kids alike.
My daughters LOVED it!,
April 9, 2008 I am lucky enough to already have a copy of this recording.
"The Runaway Bunny" was one of our favorite bedtime books for both of our daughters. They were very familiar with the rhythms and words. To get the beautiful score that Mr. Roven has composed to add to that was like a dream come true.
>>>I surprised both of them on a long car ride we were about to embark on, and we listened to it over and over again calling and singing out what theme was going to pop up next. Joy all around.<<<
As a parent and as a music lover, I highly recommend it.
| | A Magical Journey, April 9, 2008 One of my favorite things as a small child, was putting on recordings of stories like "Jack And The Beanstalk," or "Peter And The Wolf" and being transported into a magical world, where beautiful music and a great story took me to a magical place in my imagination. (The records also were cool colors!)
Glen Roven has once again taken me there and it feels great to be back!
Feedback from my 8-yr. old son, April 9, 2008 From my 8-yr old son: The best piece of music that I've heard since Beethoven's Fifth! Really something! When I was very young my parents read this book to me many times. I liked the book, but forgot how much, until I listened to this piece and was reminded just how much character it had and that now has been brought to life. Runaway Bunny was a book that shaped my life. It was one of the first books I ever heard and I was immediately fascinated by it. Now I'm eight and I look back at those times and remember what it was like in my early years and can still enjoy it again now!
From Mom: Very sentimental for all the mom's who adored the book and can now continue to enjoy it by listening to the sophisticated music and beautiful narration that is a perfect complement and allows us all to reminisce as we listen.
| | This Bunny's a Beauty, April 8, 2008 GLEN ROVEN HAS TAKEN A TIMELESS CLASSIC AND, WITH A RICH IMAGINATIVE SCORE HE BEAUTIFULLY EMBELLISHES A TALE THAT'S TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF GENERATIONS. WITH THE MULTI-MEDIA WORLD WE LIVE IN, THIS BUNNY TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION. BRAVO. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN OF ANY AGE. | | Not since "Peter & the Wolf"..., April 8, 2008 Not since my kids and I listened to "Peter and the Wolf" have we been so touched by a musical composition and the performnces of Ittai,Brooke and the Royal Philharmonic.Simply beautiful musical story-telling in a sumptuous setting,with virtuostic playing and a palpable feast for the imagination. |
A total delight, April 8, 2008 I saw THE RUNAWAY BUNNY performed in New York City by Glen Roven and Ittai Shapira with the narration done adorably by Sandy Duncan. It was a total delight and the recording with full orchestra and Brooke Shields as narrator is a joy also; Ms. Shields will be performing this piece with Mr. Roven and Mr. Shapira at Carnegie Hall on April 29, 2008. This should get lots of play both on CD players and in concert halls. |
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Classic Classical,
April 9, 2008 Glen Roven's evocative and emotionally stirring violin concerto, THE RUNAWAY BUNNY, colors and complements the classic tale as effectively as any children's book illustration. His themes conjure vivid pictures of the frolicsome bunny, soaring mountaintops, the rollicking big top, and a mother's loving embrace. The music is splendidly served by Ittai Shapira's virtuoso performance and Brooke Shields' heartfelt narration. It is hard to imagine a more successful collaboration. Children will be charmed by this accessible and engaging work, and adults will
Runaway Bunny is a Runaway Hit!!!,
November 30, 2006 I saw this performed on the Labor Day telethon by the composer, Glen Roven. It was amazing!!! Although it was a concerto written for children, the emotion and humor of the music takes the children's story to a very sophisticated adult level. I am reminded of listening to my "Peter and the Wolf" album over and over as a child. It was my first introduction to music appreciation. This is sure to become this generation's version of a classic. It will be my only baby shower or children's birthday gift from now on!
Deeply Moving,
March 6, 2008 This recording is absolutely breath taking. The story leaps into your imagination. The music brought me to tears. How refreshing to hear a new piece that inspires both children and parents.What a perfect gift for any family, anyone who has ever loved a child. Bravo, to Glen Roven.
A fabulous musical experience for children and parents alike!,
September 6, 2007 A beautiful tale retold in a beautiful and innovative way. Great for children of all ages--and their parents, too!
A True Classic,
January 5, 2007 This is a wonderful addition to our family collection of CDs. It is a classic tale. Our 9 year old daughter truly enjoyed the story and the music. Glen Roven's composition is captivating. It is the perfect combination of Roven's music, Shapita's playing and Shields' lovely narration. This is must have for both for children and adults.
A wonderful gift for your child,
December 22, 2006 Runaway Bunny is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the beauty and power of classical music. For those familiar with the book, Glen Roven's inspired score and Brooke Shield's impassioned narration will only enhance your feelings for this wonderful story of a mother's fierce and loving devoton to her baby. For those who are not familiar with the story, this composition is complete and completely rewarding in and of itself. The music is an invitation to flights of fancy, an enjoyable roller coaster ride through the emotional pull-and-tug between parent and child. It's a wonderful gift for any young child -- and a perfect companion piece to the book.
| | The BUNNY changed my life, December 4, 2006 Tender, beautiful, evocative....I love this "Bunny" more than I can say. This is one of those rare pieces that children and parents will simultaneously adore for their own distinct reasons. A gorgeous work..... |
Hop on out to get this one,
December 2, 2006 If you've ever wondered how a new classic can be inspired by an old one... just listen to this CD, particularly "The Runaway Bunny." You can't read the story again without hearing the tunes in your head. It's melodic, engaging, smart and downright entertaining. And with the lovely Ms. Shields narrating, our kids are spell-bound. In all, it's that rare "children's CD" that we adults can listen to on our own. (Shhh! Don't tell my daughter I've borrowed her CD!)
This Bunny Enchants,
December 1, 2006 On a recent trip to the US my kids saw The Runaway Bunny performed on TV. Their attention was rapt by the music, fascinated by the violin playing the Bunny and the piano/orchestra representing all the other elements of this beloved story. At last, a new work to stand beside Peter and the Wolf! They will be thrilled to find this CD stuffed into their Christmas stockings, and we will all enjoy listening to this enchanting musical work for children of all ages.
This Runaway Bunny makes a Wit-ty addition to any Xmas stocking,
November 30, 2006 I had the pleasure of hearing Ittai Shapira perform The Runaway Bunny live, with Sandy Duncan doing the narration, at an intimate concert in New York. Now the rest of America gets the chance to bring this musical event to family rooms across the country, with an assist from The Royal Philharmonic and Brooke Shields. While I can't speak to the rest of the CD, this 20 minute piece has soothed children of all ages, when I pop the cd in, while driving around Los Angeles. Hmm...how many narrators will have played Roxie Hart in "Chicago" by the time Roven's instant classic is performed with symphonies around the world?
Runaway Bunny will be Runaway hit,
November 29, 2006 Glen Roven is a colleague and friend. He is also a first class composer and conductor. Runaway Bunny will delight you and your kids and grandkids. You will love it!
All Ears!,
November 29, 2006 The "Runaway Bunny" is a delightful new masterpiece from maestro Glen Roven -- it's charming, witty, enjoyable and a perfect holiday gift for kids AND grownups.
The Bunny succeeds!!,
November 29, 2006 The Bunny succeeds on at least two levels. As a professional Musician, I find Roven's lyrical support of the Story, as well as his striking orchestrations, succeed brilliantly as a symphonic composition proper. Secondly, as a father, I am delighted to see my two children infatuated with "The Bunny" - they can't get enough. A fabulous way to introduce young people to Classical music. The Runaway Bunny is perfect for the Holidays and beyond.
(Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
Not to brag, but I've stood upon some pretty rarified podiums: I've conducted "The Candy Man" for Sammy, “New York, New York” for Frank, and “Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie,” for Don McLean. 
Through Phyllis, I met her illustrious husband, 
Cassie Dance for 
Another memory is interviewing and playing for 