 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Common Sense Media says
A witty, "edu-taining" foray into classical music.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this CD is a wonderful way to introduce kids to Spanish-style music. The only thing that might make parents pause for a moment is Juanita's jaunty put-down refrain: "Ah, shut-up, you make-a me sick-a!"
What's the story?
JUANITA THE SPANISH LOBSTER, part of Magic Maestro's Stories in Music series, is a gloriously witty and engaging opera in which a haughty malcontent diva of a lobster learns to appreciate the life aquatic. The story and the music are put in context with aural lessons (no, not at all boring!) on the history and background of this bravura comic opera, its composer, and his original source material. Bel Canto opera and flamenco styles are illustrated and clarified with the help of the London Symphony Orchestra and Yadu, a narrator with a knack for funny crustacean voices.
Is it any good?
A wonderful, kid-pleasing composition, Juanita the Spanish Lobster provides a thoughtful, helpful narration that guides young and older ears into careful listening. This Spanish-flavored offering has funny voices and amusing characters, all the better to hook young hearts and minds. Explaining and illustrating with musical snippets, the CD includes a lecture track about the music (flamenco, recitative, as well as the use of castanets and pizzicato, are nicely illuminated).
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the use of musical styles, instruments, and even amplitude to convey a story. They can also discuss the moral of the story -- a crabby lobster learns to appreciate her lot in life.
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Entire Family Loves It!
The music is enchanting; the story very funny. We learned about flamenco music and bel canto opera; we laughed together and worried about Juanita when it looked like she might go to the land and be boiled alive and eaten. There are no finer recordings for children for sale today. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is fabulous. The Elvis sing-along is great fun. We bought this first and then discovered all the others in the Stories in Music series, all of which are wonderful.
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| Artist: | London Philharmonic Orchestra |
| Release date: | October 11, 2005 |
| Label: | Magic Maestro Music |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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