school to library

The first two or three years of school did not contain very much music. The only music I can recall were songs sung in the classroom, hymns sung in assembly, and a weekly piece of classical music that was selected to be played at assembly. The classical music pieces did not always stand out in my memory, but the Peer Gynt Suite did. It was not until I left elementary school that I appreciated classical music, and I still only dabble lightly in such realms. However, the Peer Gynt memories stand out from this era of my life and I have since purchased a recorded version for my own listening pleasure, though my teenage son frowns if I play it.   

Classical music was fed into us before we were old enough to call it boring and daydream instead of listen. We were therefore treated to such music without complaining or pressure. Not every child would appreciate the tunes, nor would every student bring memories of them into their adult life, but if anyone did take an interest later on, there would be that grounding to fall back on and remember. We were given two or three pieces of the suite to hear, but this particular piece stands out in my own mind.

I recall being told to close my eyes, listen to the music, and imagine the scene. We were told the basic storyline of Peer Gynt and the rest was up to our own heads. This is a good way to get the classics into single digit children, I feel. It certainly brought them to life for me. Later in life I purchased the book and read the Ibsen classic as well as having the classic music in my mind and heart. I have good feelings over both the play and the music.