Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Camille Saint-Saens, Benjamin Britten :: Bernstein Favorites: Children's Classics

Captured the true Bernstein, in music and in word....

Cory | Virginia | 06/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bernstein's comments and his way of narrating the first two pieces (Carnival of the Animals and Peter and the Wolf) was a wonderful way to add to this grand music. I was surprised by his free approach to the music. If you want to hear more of him, Copland's Second Hurricane has him narrating. It's not that great musically though (the Copland). The Britten piece is a favorite for the Children's Special on my local radio station, WGMS 103.5 in DC, along with the other two. Yes, this is a good CD to buy for you and your children. It also features a couple of soon to be hit players such as the acclaimed Paula Robison on the flute. Bernstein had good tastes when it came to picking musicians who are all between the age of 13-23."

Childhood Revisited

anonymous | 11/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My mother bought a vinyl copy of this for my sister and me when we were young. We practically wore it out from constant listening. It also didn't help that we "ballet" danced around the living room while the record was playing. Delighted to know that this recording is now in CD form. Still find the music, and Bernstien's narration, charming."

Surprised at how wonderful this is -- a huge hit!

anonymous | 03/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this for "music appreciation" education for my 6 yr. old. I thought it would be challenging to get him, as well as my 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 yr. olds, to let me play it in the car. I also thought it would bore and/or irritate my husband -- so I was nervous a bit. Well, I was completely wrong. We all "love" it.



It is high quality and pleasant to the ears. We play it whenever we are in the car. The narratives in "Peter and the Wolf" and "Carnival of the Animals" are very engaging and hold their attention. At home, my 6 yr. old sits at the dinner table and recites the entire narrative (along with the appropriate tune representing the characters) of Peter and the Wolf -- complete with Bernstein's accent! Great memory/recitation exercise and he does it voluntarily. My two year old asks for it EVERY TIME we're in the car and many times my 1 1/2 yr. old is fussy until we turn it on, then she's as content as can be.



All the kids have picked out characters to "be" in Peter and the Wolf and have assigned them to Mom and Dad. It's a lot of fun. My 2 yr. old always calls out when the cat comes along, "That's me!!" and my 1 1/2 yr. old always says, "Correct!" just before Bernstein does. The littlest to the oldest listen intently and engage with the narrator.



The last piece is my personal favorite, as it introduces each instrument in the orchestra and how it all fits together, and the music is beautiful (the kids like the music too, but prefer "Peter..."). My 6 yr. old has learned a lot from the last piece without realizing it; when I explain instruments of music we hear elsewhere, he calmly informs me, "I know that, Mom."



This fascination with the CD has lasted a long time; we did not just start listening to it last week. I think that reflects on how enjoyable it is for the whole family. My husband has told me repeatedly how glad he is we bought this. It is also a good buy here on Amazon -- I paid several dollars more for it.

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