A great intro to "classical" music for you and your children
Judy K. Polhemus | LA | 12/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a wonderful general overview of music selections from eleven of the greatest composers of traditional classical music! I'm gifting my Pretend Children with "The Power of Classical Music" this season. Maybe their parents and grandparents will also benefit. Rowdy children and tired adults can both benefit!
Actual classical music reflects the discoveries of Classical Greece--moderation in all things. Classical music has an even keel of notes, neither in the high range or low range. Mozart most reflects this style. Beethoven is actually Romantic, that is greatly varied in range, both high and low notes, emotional music. Think of the Fifth Symphony. Bach is Baroque, that is, very busy music with incessant notes rushing on, head-spinning almost.
These are very simple definitions of three music styles, but serve their purpose. However, we have come to describe all the music of the great composers as classical, so that must suffice for this review.
This CD is a compilation of all three styles. It opens with Mozart's very famous "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," then continues with Haydn's "Serenade" and Grieg's "Morning Mood" from his "Peer Gynt Suite." A lovely Minuet from Beethoven follows.
Others in the CD:
Bach--"Siciliano" from Sonata No. 2 in E Flat Major
Tchaikovsky--"Miniature Overture" from The Nutcracker Suite
Haydn--"Emperor Quarter"
Bach--"Air on the G String"
Chopin--"Nocturne"
Beethoven--"Moonlight Sonata"
Schumann--"The Happy Farmer"
Handel--"Giga"
Van Gluck--"Dance of the Blessed Spirits" from Orfeo ed Euridice
Tchaikovsky--Character Dances (March) from the Nutcracker Suite
Twin Sisters Productions put this collection together as part of their "The Growing Minds with Music" series. The liner notes includes this: "Each album is ideal for quieting fussy infants, calming stressed parents, motivating classroom students, lifting weary spirits, or creating a perfect atmosphere for special occasions."
For whatever reason you need music, "The Power of Classical Music" is a wonderful introduction to the most noble of musics.
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