Beautiful music. Classic storytelling. Unique teaching. This is Maestro Classics' Peter and the Wolf. We really like audio stories around here, and that is what I expected this to be. We sat down with some banana smoothies to listen to this, as soon as we got it. Wow, what a treat! There is a lot more here then just a story!
The CD starts with an introduction to the story and the music. It explains how each character is represented by an instrument, and plays them one by one so the little ears can pick them out. It also gives the setting for the story. Then the music begins, and the narrator tells the story. I really appreciate how little the narrator speaks. Nothing is added that isn't needed, and they let the music tell the story.
After your child listens to the story of Peter and the Wolf, there are several more activities for him to listen to and do. The next track tells the story behind the story- about the composer, and why he wrote his music. There are also tracks for learning more about the music, and Russian folk instruments. The addition of a track with the music alone, no narration, is helpful for those using this as the springboard to a deeper study. There are a lot of options here... Unit studies on Russia, the composer, and the instruments. Listening skills can be honed by trying to pick out the individual instruments.
There is a small book included, with activities, information about several of the folk instruments and bio pages on the conductor. I wish that this little booklet was larger and more comprehensive, but it is certainly a great jumping-off place. You can purchase this CD, or any of their other titles for $16.98. Some of the most enticing titles are Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel, The Tortoise and the Hare, and Juanita the Spanish Lobster (which is also available is Spanish).
So what did we think of Peter and the Wolf? We like it. It is fun, entertaining, and I think provides a very important and often lacking education on classical music and other cultures. This is the perfect starting spot for introducing young children into the world of music, and it is nice for older children as well, who will enjoy the challenge of picking out instruments and the storyline.
Enjoy learning more about this and other great compositions for children at the Maestro Classics website. If you want to read more reviews about Peter and the Wolf, be sure to stop by The Old Schoolhouse Crew blog.
The CD starts with an introduction to the story and the music. It explains how each character is represented by an instrument, and plays them one by one so the little ears can pick them out. It also gives the setting for the story. Then the music begins, and the narrator tells the story. I really appreciate how little the narrator speaks. Nothing is added that isn't needed, and they let the music tell the story.
After your child listens to the story of Peter and the Wolf, there are several more activities for him to listen to and do. The next track tells the story behind the story- about the composer, and why he wrote his music. There are also tracks for learning more about the music, and Russian folk instruments. The addition of a track with the music alone, no narration, is helpful for those using this as the springboard to a deeper study. There are a lot of options here... Unit studies on Russia, the composer, and the instruments. Listening skills can be honed by trying to pick out the individual instruments. There is a small book included, with activities, information about several of the folk instruments and bio pages on the conductor. I wish that this little booklet was larger and more comprehensive, but it is certainly a great jumping-off place. You can purchase this CD, or any of their other titles for $16.98. Some of the most enticing titles are Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel, The Tortoise and the Hare, and Juanita the Spanish Lobster (which is also available is Spanish).
So what did we think of Peter and the Wolf? We like it. It is fun, entertaining, and I think provides a very important and often lacking education on classical music and other cultures. This is the perfect starting spot for introducing young children into the world of music, and it is nice for older children as well, who will enjoy the challenge of picking out instruments and the storyline.
I think CJ said it best: "Don't stop it mom! I like it!"
I received this product free of charge
as a member of The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew,
for review purposes. I promise to be honest
and fair in my reviews, and I received no
other compensation in exchange for my review.
You can visit The Old Schoolhouse Crew blog
to read more reviews on this product.
Hi Michelle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review of our Peter and the Wolf CD this winter. I just wanted to let you know that since you reviewed our CD we've made a Facebook page so that our fans can participate in monthly giveaways (June was Peter and the Wolf, as a matter of fact) and get coupons. We'd love to invite you and your readers to join our page and thanks again for the lovely review!
Ruth
Social Media Coordinator
Maestro Classics