Chappell: Dead In Tune - a musical "whodunnit"; George and the Dragonfly - Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra/Herbert Chappell

KHCD-2012-023DL (STEREO) - Chappell: Dead In Tune - a musical "whodunnit" - written and narrated by Robin Ray; George and the Dragonfly - written by John Kershaw; narrated by Robin Ray, Susan Stranks and John Kershaw - Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra/Herbert Chappell - Originally issued by Argo in 1970, the audience targeted was primarily children, teaching them the basics of  music and the instruments of orchestra. Dead In Tune, originally written for the (British) Rediffusion TV series Sounds exciting, is a musical "whodunnit" about four orchestral families living by the sea (middle C); of the Canon who was nearly strangled by a chord, but who survives and officiates at the wedding of Viola to one of her beaux. Although the puns on musical words will tend to be real groaners for musically educated adults, it's all quite fun. George and the Dragonfly is a story about a boy, his dog, a dragonfly, a military band, a string quartet, and the instruments of the orchestra become individual people (rather than groups as in Dead). Again, all in fun, and a fine companion to Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, although a little less serious in intent. Thanks to John Whitmore for suggesting this reissue, and providing archival materials regarding the recording and its performers.