Search - Poulenc, Pro Musica :: Babar the Elephant

A delicious feast for a family--but check it through first.

Archimedes | Pennsylvania | 02/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jean de Brunhoff wrote this series of stories for kids decades ago. No one can beat the French for this whimsical style of storytelling! Even if not 100% PC (politically correct--not that I care, but some people do, and you know who you are), I think the story is a riot.
The story centers around an elephant who finds his way into the city, and gets sort of adopted by a little old lady who gives him everything he wants, such as money and a car. This indulgent attitude may have to be offset with a little parental--what shall I say?--realism. But I sincerely hope that the eccentric details of the story will not stand in the way of children being introduced to this fairy tale, which is both so innocent and so knowing in turn! (Or keep it for yourself, and only let the kids have it after they're grown.)
The self-effacing narrator is wonderful, as is the orchestral arrangement of Poulenc's original piano music for the story--after all, it's the music you buy the CD for.
Highly recommended.
Arch"