Steve heitzeg - Recordings
On The Day You Were Born

Based on Debra Frazier's
award-winning chhildren's book

On The Day You Were Born "Luminous original music, recorded in performance with the Minnesota Orchestra, and magnificent animation expand Debra Frasier's picture book, On the Day You Were Born, into a mesmerizing experience," wrote Booklist, following the 1997 release of this award-winning animated video.

The first in a series of "StoryConcerts" for children produced by the Minnesota Orchestra, On the Day You Were Born brings a story — all about the Earth welcoming a new child into its fold — to life through music, entwining shots of animated characters and Orchestra musicians performing the work.

In Frasier's 1991 book, the family of sun, moon, oceans, animals and people welcome a new child into the world. For the 30-minute video, the compelling story is paired with Heitzeg's lyrical score, performed by conductor William Eddins and the Minnesota Orchestra, and stylized animation evoking images such as the quiet moon and burning sun.

On The Day You Were BornThe video concludes with behind-the-scenes footage of Frasier and Heitzeg at their childhood homes, illustrating how the places where the creators were born influenced the stories they told.

The 30-minute video is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Carnegie Medal for Best Children's Video. It is also available in a deluxe gift pack, including the video alongside a charming stuffed reindeer and children's toys, delivered in a gift box.

Featured musicians
  • Minnesota Orchestra (ensemble)
    William Eddins, conductor
  • Debra Frasier (narrator)
Reviews and Awards
  • "Heitzeg's music brings a warm lyricism and Copland-esque grandeur to the story as it unfolds." — The Christian Science Monitor
  • Andrew Carnegie Medal for "Best Children's Video of the Year" from the American Library Association, 1997
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 1997
  • Parents' Choice Silver Honor, 1996
  • National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors Award, 1998
  • Endorsed by Kids First!, a program of the Coalition for Quality Children's Media, 1996
  • "Family Approved Seal" from the Dove Foundation, 1998
  • Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award, 1998
  • "Video Magic Award" from Parenting Magazine, 1997
  • "Notable Video" from American Library Association, 1997
Compositions
  1. Complete performance, Orchestra and narrator
  2. Complete performance, Orchestra without narrator
     
    Excerpts:
  3. Mother and Child
  4. Migrating Animals
  5. Night Into Light
     
    Deep Space:
  6. Burning Sun
  7. Quiet Moon
  8. Glittering Star
  9. Ocean Rain / Migration / Sea Clouds
  10. Tall Trees
  11. The Welcome
Audio Samples
Purchase
Close this window.