Beethoven's Wig 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies (by Richard Perlmutter with Symphonies & Singers, Children's Music)

BEETHOVEN'S WIG 2 samples Suppe to Mendelssohn, with Verdi, Grieg, Paganini, and more masters in between. Richard Perlmutter gathers forces with an impressive array of orchestral recordings, ensemble musicians, and opera singers in a lyrical frolic through revered classics. Music without lyrics is included on the second half of the CD. From the get-go with "Stuck in the Saddle Again" (Light Cavalry Overture by Suppe), it's a light-hearted romp with serious overtones. Shubert's "Trout" (Trout Quintet) delights with a singing fish: "There is music in the river, there is music in the sea, listen you can hear it, sing along with me."

The learning quotient on this CD soars with the entertainment value. It's a great way to ease kids into the classics, with no stuffiness involved. The singer of "My Mother Was a Fan" (Prelude 7, Op. 28 by Chopin) complains, "A prelude by Chopin, it ended far too soon"; no doubt, listeners of the CD will agree.