Story Of The Orchestra Book from Robert Levine
The definitive illustrated guide to every instrument of the orchestra — written by Robert Levine with vibrant artwork by Meredith Hamilton and a bundled CD featuring over 37 classical selections from history’s greatest composers.
- Covers every orchestral instrument from strings and woodwinds to brass and percussion
- Includes a CD with more than an hour of music from the world’s greatest composers
- Lively illustrations make classical music engaging for children and adults alike
Explore the Story of the Orchestra Book
Story of the Orchestra: Listen While You Learn
Written by Robert Levine and illustrated by Meredith Hamilton, this hardcover reference introduces every orchestral instrument alongside the composers who shaped classical music. The included CD delivers over 37 selections — more than an hour of listening.
Check PriceProduct Details and What’s Inside
The story of the orchestra book by Robert Levine is a hardcover volume designed for curious readers of all ages who want a genuine introduction to the symphony orchestra. The text introduces each instrument family — strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion — explaining how each instrument produces sound, its role in the ensemble, and the composers who wrote most memorably for it.
Instrument Coverage
Every major orchestral instrument receives a dedicated profile, from the cello and violin to the timpani, harp, trumpet, and oboe. Meredith Hamilton’s colorful illustrations give each instrument its own visual identity, making the book ideal for first-time readers and seasoned listeners alike.
Bundled CD — Over 37 Selections
The included CD contains more than 37 musical selections drawn from the greatest composers in the orchestral repertoire, totaling over an hour of listening. Each excerpt is chosen to complement the instrument or composer discussed on the surrounding pages, creating a true listen-while-you-learn experience.
Composers and Musical History
Beyond instruments, the book covers the composers who wrote the music — from Baroque and Classical masters to Romantic and early Modern voices — giving readers context for why the orchestra developed the way it did and who shaped its sound over the centuries.
Format and Audience
Published as a large-format hardcover (ISBN 9781579121488), the book is suitable for children, students, gift-givers, and adult music enthusiasts who appreciate a visually engaging reference they can return to again and again.
How to Check Fitment
Use this five-step guide to review Story Of The Orchestra Book from Robert Levine and make an informed choice from the available product information.
- 01
Start with the String Section
Open the book to the strings chapter and read about the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Study Meredith Hamilton’s illustrations to see how each instrument is held and how the bow interacts with the strings to produce different tones and dynamics.
- 02
Meet the Woodwind Family
Move to the woodwind section and explore the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Robert Levine’s accessible text explains how air and reeds produce each distinctive sound, helping you identify these instruments by ear when you encounter them in a live or recorded performance.
- 03
Explore Brass and Percussion
Continue through the brass and percussion chapters, covering the trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, timpani, and the wide array of auxiliary percussion instruments. Notice how each contributes to the orchestra’s power, color, and rhythmic foundation.
- 04
Listen Along with the Included CD
Play the bundled CD while reading each corresponding section. The over 37 curated selections let you hear exactly what the book describes — training your ear to distinguish instrument families, individual soloists, and the blended orchestral texture discussed on the page.
- 05
Discover the Composers and Their Music
Use the composer profiles throughout the book to connect the musicians you’ve heard on the CD to their historical context. Understanding who wrote a symphony, when, and for what purpose deepens every future listening experience and makes the entire orchestral repertoire more meaningful.
Story of the Orchestra Book — Reader Reviews
A Lasting Family Reference
This book has been on our shelf for years and we return to it every time a new instrument catches our child’s attention. The illustrations are warm and detailed, and the CD makes it genuinely interactive rather than just another picture book about music.
— Verified Reader
Perfect Introduction for Young Listeners
Robert Levine’s writing is clear without being condescending. My eight-year-old can follow the explanations of how each instrument works, and she loves following along with the CD. We use it before every school concert so she knows what to listen for.
— Verified Reader
Beautifully Illustrated, Musically Rich
Meredith Hamilton’s artwork is playful and precise at the same time. The composer profiles add real depth, and having over an hour of curated music on the included CD turns this from a reading experience into a full musical education. Highly recommended as a gift.
— Verified Reader
About Robert Levine
Robert Levine is an author and classical music writer whose work is dedicated to making orchestral music accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The story of the orchestra book represents his commitment to pairing authoritative musical knowledge with vivid, welcoming design — proving that a great introduction to the symphony orchestra belongs in every home and classroom.
Illustrated by Meredith Hamilton and published under ISBN 9781579121488, the hardcover edition has introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to the instruments, the music, and the composers who built the orchestral tradition. The included CD — with over 37 selections totaling more than an hour of listening — transforms the reading experience into an active encounter with the music itself.
Visit Official StoreFrequently Asked Questions
What age group is the story of the orchestra book suitable for?
The book works well for children aged six and up, but its depth and composer profiles make it equally enjoyable for adult readers who want a welcoming introduction to classical music and the symphony orchestra.
How many musical selections does the included CD contain?
The bundled CD includes over 37 selections from the greatest composers in the orchestral repertoire, providing more than an hour of listening that corresponds to the instruments and composers covered in the book.
Does the book cover all orchestral instruments?
Yes. The book introduces every major orchestral instrument family — strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion — including individual profiles of instruments such as the cello, timpani, harp, oboe, French horn, and many others.
Who wrote and illustrated the book?
The text was written by Robert Levine, a classical music author and writer. The lively, colorful illustrations were created by Meredith Hamilton, whose artwork brings each instrument and composer to life across the pages.
Is the story of the orchestra book available as a hardcover?
Yes, the book is published as a large-format hardcover (ISBN 9781579121488) that includes the bundled CD. Its robust format makes it suitable for repeated use by children and adults and a durable addition to any home library or music classroom.