Classical Daily Essential no. 45: the gift of a Little Elephant!

Today’s track is a brand new release; you are among the first to hear it as it was only released on Spotify…

Today’s track is a brand new release; you are among the first to hear it as it was only released on Spotify and Apple Music this morning!

I recorded Poulenc’s The Story of Babar the Little Elephant with my 84 year-old friend Simon Blumlein narrating, and we have decided to release it as a little lockdown gift – we hope it keeps you entertained for half an hour! We are donating profits to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

Poulenc conceived the idea in 1940 after spending time with his young nieces and nephews, who, bored by his piano playing, put Histoire de Babar (a story about the adventures of a little elephant by Jean de Brunhoff) on the piano, and said “now play that one!”. Poulenc improvised piano music whilst reading the story, and only wrote it down much later. It has become a firm favourite, and perfectly illustrates the gentle charm, humour and variety of his music.

You can find and listen to this release on Spotify here

Back to all news

Related News

A fantastic final House Athletics this year
2 July 2025 Athletics
A fantastic final House Athletics this year
End of Term Sports Roundup
1 July 2025 Sport
End of Term Sports Roundup
A spectacular Leavers’ Ball for our Upper Sixth
30 June 2025 Sixth Form
A spectacular Leavers’ Ball for our Upper Sixth
Steer Champion School Logo Awarded to Cranleigh School in Surrey
Education Choices Award Finalist 2024
Steer Champion School Logo Awarded to Cranleigh School in Surrey