Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing Along Symphonies
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this CD has no objectionable content. It might take more than one listening, but kids who give this a chance might take away a lifetime love of classical music.
Families can talk about the instruments featured on this recording and the altogether different sounds and textures when compared to today's music. In fact, it might be wise to bookend this CD with current music in order to have kids "discover" these differences themselves.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Scott Bierko
Despite most parents' best efforts, today's kids are unlikely to jump for joy at the chance to spend a Saturday afternoon at the symphony. The unfortunate truth is that our go-go lifestyles are more in sync with hip hop than Hayden. Enter BEETHOVEN'S WIG 3, a new installment in Richard Perlmutter's Sing Along Symphonies recordings.
Mr. Perlmutter, to his credit, knows that he must meet children where they are. Instead of turning up his nose at the "unwashed masses" (as many classical performers unfortunately do), this producer has once again created a place where kids raised on Barney might begin to understand Beethoven.
His technique is to set silly lyrics to some well-known and not-so-well-known pieces so that we might come to listen, decode, and eventually appreciate the music on its own terms. This might seem ludicrous or even insulting to the classical purist, but please note that the second half of the CD contains all of the same music without the words. In short, the technique allows one to hear the melody line because it's expressed by human voices, making it more palatable to younger ears.
One hears Beethoven's "Work for Mandolin Woo 44a" with renewed appreciation with or without the lyrics because Mr. Perlmutter and his team have successfully engaged us.
There are two relatively minor problems with this CD, however: First, Mr. Perlmutter's voice is somewhat comedic and nasal sounding. It reminds one of The Beatles' Ringo Starr. It might be wise to have some other vocalists alternate with him much like John, Paul, and George did with Mr. Starr. The second problem lies in the mixing of the songs that are supposed to feature some of the orchestra's instruments. In those pieces, it would have been better to bring those instruments up in the mix or give them solo sections.
These minor quibbles aside, Beethoven's Wig 3 is a fine addition to your children's CD collection.
Families who enjoy this CD should check out Beethoven's Wig and Beethoven's Wig 2.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
||
Violence |
|
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorExposes kids to classical music. |
 |
 |
||
CommercialismPart of a series. |
|
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
