Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67 by Richard Stamp, John Gielgud & Academy of London

Think back to your childhood: What is your earliest music memory? Share that song and your story!

Atarah’s Band is my earliest wholly music focussed memory. A flautist who took an orchestra on tour with a show aimed at kids. I can’t remember much more than a flamed hair woman, and being invited up to pick a percussion instrument to play.

All very vague, it was the late 70s and whilst music was a constant in our house —my piano lessons were about to start— this visit to Kelvinhall, this experience of music as something joyous stuck with me.

I’ve no idea what actual music was played that day, but it feels linked to my first musical fascination.

A story told in music, with the narrator helping introduce the “characters” , written by Prokofiev, was played for me at home and I can remember learning how to —carefully— put the record on all by myself. I’m sure I scratched it a little.

It was magical. All these instruments springing to life, I can still pull the melody from the recesses of my brain.

I would’ve been about 6 or 7 at the time and whilst I would always retain a gentle appreciation for classical music, this piece remains a favourite.

There are many recordings, but finding this one was a fun extra bonus!

“Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67” by Richard Stamp, John Gielgud & Academy of London

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