Beethoven's Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies (by Richard Perlmutter with Symphonies & Singers, Children's Music)

Take Bach, Beethoven, and Bizet, throw in some Sousa, and add a little Scott Joplin, and you've got a mix of some of the biggest and best composers who've ever lived. Add some off-the-wall lyrics courtesy of Beethoven's Wig producer, vocalist, and lyricist Richard Perlmutter, and you've got BEETHOVEN'S WIG 4: DANCE ALONG SYMPHONIES. With three similar albums under their belts, the singing group follows the formula for this fourth installment, combining witty, pint-sized lyrics with grand classical tunes. But this time around, there's an emphasis on dance, with many of the tracks focusing on various forms of movement, from ice skating to ballet.

The melodies and arrangements on this CD are time-tested. There's no question that "The Maple Leaf Rag" and "Moonlight Sonata" are easy on the ears. With just a short listen, most parents will have no trouble recognizing these world-famous sounds. But do the lyrics do justice to these awe-inspiring compositions?

The answer is a giddy "Yes!" Perlmutter does a fine job of bringing classical music down to earth, playfully poking fun at these masterpieces. Kids will have a grand time listening to songs that they otherwise might have dismissed as boring. Covering everyday topics such as traffic jams, midnight snacks, and dog obedience, these songs will appeal to parents and kids equally. Lines like "A piece of cake, a piece of pie, I felt so happy that I thought I'd cry, potato chips and popcorn too, and chocolate ice cream and some cheese fondue, I didn't care how much I ate, I put a jelly donut on my plate" make it clear Beethoven's Wig has clearly flipped.