LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Publishers Newswire/ — Halloween is just around the corner, and parents are looking for ways to make the season festive, without all the usual horrific images. “Beowulf” (recently released on audio CD) composer Sam Sorensen suggests another fun way to help get the family in the mood for Halloween. Audio books.
“Liven up that drive to and from school with a good scary story. Or, create an evening your kids will remember by downloading from iTunes the musical tale of ‘Beowulf,’ and then at night, spend a little down time curling up by the fire with the kids and some hot apple cider for some good ol’ spooky fun, while listening to the real story of Beowulf.”
This dramatic original version in English, which has been passed down from generation to generation, over hundreds of years in other languages, can now be found laced with Sorensen’s original musical score and effects.
In this entertaining adventure, Beowulf rescues King Hrothgar and the Danes from the ravages of monstrous horrors. The listener becomes acquainted with Beowulf’s strength, heroism and noble heart. From over the gray Baltic, the wintry “whale-road,” to the dark and dripping caves of the misty moor, British author Ian Serrallier reweaves the original tale brandishing all the energy and vividness of the original. Sorensen’s powerful narration and inspired original score for a huge orchestra and choir enhance the story each step of the way.
Here is a wonderful means to visit a treasure from 1200 years ago. It is a work of art in itself, and a doorway for young and old to further experiences with the epic.
Happy Halloween!
Beowulf Reviews:
“It’s clear Serralier has one of the most remarkable versions of the story Beowulf. Complex in nature, yet easy to understand, it engages the listener from start to finish. The audio quality on this recording is remarkable. Sorensen’s large orchestral score composed of vivid instrumental color and memorable melodies, reminds one at times of Shostakovich or perhaps in places Bartok, or Prokofiev. His narration is world class, similar to that of a Spartan King, as he tells the ancient tale of a monster, in a way that comes from a place of a ‘noble heart’ rather than that of sheer horror. It is certainly a fun and masterful work that I’d highly recommend!” – Center Stage with Mark Gordon – KXLU (http://stageandscreen.com).
“To venture on the story of Beowulf in verse, whether for children or adults, is a deed with its own kind of heroism … There must be a hundred ways of failing: Mr. Serralier has hit on one of the ways to succeed.” – Times (London) Literary Supplement.
“Beowulf,” by Sam Sorensen was most recently premiered by the Palos Verdes Symphony, July 27th, 2008 under the baton of Joseph Valenti, along with works by John Williams, Gershwin, and others.
Beowulf is available at: iTunes, Amazon.com, and CDBaby.com.
For more information on the product, visit http://www.beowulf2008.com
or call 310-548-0517.
“Beowulf”
Story by Ian Serrallier, music by Samuel Sorensen
UPC code 83710143784.
