Lazy Jack for reader, violin and five instruments

Lazy Jack is the third in a series of musical stories for children involving a small ensemble, reader, and solo instruments. The story of Lazy Jack was adapted by Judy Constantinides, the composer’s wife and professional librarian, from a familiar English folktale about a simpleton who tries to please his mother by doing what she says, with comical results. At last, he unwittingly wins the hand of a fair maiden and they live happily ever after.

The work received its premiere and numerous repeat performances at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System branches in summer 2001. Judy Constantinides was the reader and the musical part was performed by members of the Louisiana Sinfonietta under the direction of the composer.

The other pieces in the series are The Dancing Turtle (1999), The Singing Cucaracha (2000), The Penguin Parade (2002), The Dancing Shoes (2003), Anansi and the Hat Shaking Dance (2006), The Cat that Walked by Himself (2007), How the Camel Got His Hump (2008), The Magic Pot (2009), The Frog Prince (2010), The Magic Snake (2011), The Peddler’s Dream (2012), Porridge (2014), Sody Sallyratus (2015), No Room! (2017), and Fair Is Fair! (2018).