My clearest musical memory as a young child is listening to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" on the record player. The rich melodies, vivid storyline, and perfect characterizations instilled in me a love of classical music that continues to this day. I can remember listening to the melody, reading along in the liner notes, unfolding Peter's small and somehow familiar world in my imagination. Having the chance to share this piece with my daughter, and understanding it better as an adult, has given me an immense appreciation for how special it is. Certain passages still make my heart leap.
Therefore, I'm overjoyed beyond words to have come across Suzie Templeton's stop-motion film recreation of this tale. Many others must feel the same; it won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. It deserves every bit of praise that it receives. The puppetry and scenery are stunning. Where some might have oversimplified a story that has so many levels of meaning, she has managed to add to it with the depth of the characters and her interpretation of events.
Doesn't hurt that the bird is portrayed by a flight-challenged crow either. :)
