In Why Beethoven Threw the Stew, renowned cellist Steven Isserlis sets out to pass on to children a wonderful gift given to him by his own cello teacher – the chance to people his own world with the great composers by getting to know them as friends. Witty and informative at the same time, Isserlis introduces us to six of his favorite composers: the sublime genius Bach, the quicksilver Mozart, Beethoven with his gruff humor, the shy Schumann, the prickly Brahms and that extraordinary split personality, Stravinsky. Isserlis brings the composers alive in an irresistible manner that can’t fail to catch the attention of any child whose ear has been caught by any of the music described, or anyone entering the world of classical music for the first time. The lively black and white line illustrations provide a perfect accompaniment to the text, and make this book attractive and accessible for children to enjoy on their own or share with an adult.

From the Inside Flap

Why Beethoven Threw the Stew

Why did Bach’s son call him ‘The Old Wig’?
What part did Stravinsky’s parrot play at dinner parties?
How did Mozart keep his pigtails styled?
What did Schumann invent to make his fingers stronger?
And why did Beethoven throw his stew?

This book is a unique introduction for children to the world of classical composers and their music.

Famous cellist Steven Isserlis brings six of his favorite composers to life in an irresistible manner, painting hilarious biographical portraits of each of them and describing their music in lively detail. Packed with facts, dates, anecdotes and illustrations, Why Beethoven Threw the Stew is an attractive and accessible read for children (and their parents!).

About the Author

Steven Isserlis was born at a fairly early age. His whole family was musical– his father plays the violin, his mother played the piano, and his two sisters play the violin and viola– so he took up the