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

common sense media says

Witty CD is a rollicking musical feast for all.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the "Sing Along Symphonies" concept is brilliant and the delivery superb. Set to orchestrations of the masters, lyrics range from clever to hilarious. This fun CD offers the ultimate who's who and what's what in classical music for kids.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about different styles of music. What makes a song good? Is it the message? The melody? The ability to sing along?

What's the story?

What's the story?
BEETHOVEN'S WIG is "filled with goo, it's such a problem to shampoo...it's such a mop he should stop at the barber shop." With irreverence and devotion, Richard Perlmutter and company marry unforgettable word pictures to music of the masters including Mozart, Schumann, and Haydn. Perlmutter's voice parries with operatic singers, often to laugh-out-loud comedic effect. The first-rate productions engage Czech Philharmonic and British Union Rias Orchestra recordings and a troupe of ensemble musicians. The music repeats in the second half of the CD without the lyrics. Follow-on questions (Beethoven composed music without which of his five senses?) provoke family conversations.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
With a well-conceived educational thrust, songs address composition structure, cadence, instrumentation, composer identification, and history. The rhymes are relentlessly original. For example, after hearing Drip Drip Drip, it may be impossible to listen without a chuckle to Delibes' Pizzicato from Sylvia. Perlumutter's dripping tap, shark neighbor, and rescue by Noah the plumber make an indelible imprint on the music.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: March 5, 2002
Label: PGD
Genre: Children's Music
This review was written by Common Sense Media Editors
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

CdnMom
parent of 8 and 8 year old
2
 
Lots of Fun for Parents and Kids
This series of cd's is great. My kids loved the music long before they could understand the words. Now they are old enough to start having fun with the lyrics.
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