Secret Box

Kim Merkl tells the unique and moving story of Rafael, a young violin apprentice who lived in Italy a long time ago. The door to the past is opened by another Rafael who stumbles upon its key while rummaging in the attic. Enhanced by the charming illustrations of Heike Reiter, Kim Merkl sweeps us into the seventeenth century and the shop of the great violin maker, Niccol Amati. The Secret Box is the story of the passion Rafael has for his treasured instrum instrument, the violin. His parents could ever afford lessons on an instrument, so the closest he can get to what he loves most is to work in the violin shop. Will he ever be able to play his beloved instrument?. 'This 20-page book is easy reading for ten- to 13-year-olds and includes appealing full- page color drawings. It is, however, the CD version of this book that is truly captivating for musicians of any age. Markl has created nine compositions for solo violin and string ensemble to support and intersperse with the narration. I could not stop listening to this CD, and when I shared it with my students they were equally enthralled. I cannot strongly enough recommend purchasing this CD for every string student and musician that you love. I hope that we are going to hear more of this talented woman's music!' (J.F.R., for American String Teacher, May 2007).