Solagratiamom: Maestro Classics (Review)

In searching for some fun summer activities that will continue to reinforce the fine arts, I came across Maestro Classics. I LOVE this program! What a fantastic opportunity for families who want to enrich their child's experiences with classical music, and build a love for the symphony.

If you've ever been to the children's symphony, then you have an idea of what to expect. Just like your child would experience at the live children's symphony, Maestro Classics has a story being told as the music plays, so the children can begin to understand what the piece is about. This orchestra with narration, gives a rich understanding to the piece being heard, causing it to come to life for the children listening. There are also narrations about the history and composer and even some fun sing alongs. There are even a few classic children's books put to music. There is multiple modalities to engage all learning types with, not just their music and narrations, but their little program book filled with activities that accompany each CD as well. These are beautifully done and well worth the purchase, to engage your children in the beauty of classical music at their level.

Your children will delight in stories like Swan Lake, as they learn of the prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess, but she has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the prince's love can break the spell. Tchaikovsky is played beautifully throughout, as the story unfolds and the listener is captivated by the tragic, but triumphant story. Then they can listen to information about the music of Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky's great ballet and end with a fun sing-along.

Perhaps the mesmerizing musical story of Peter and the Wolf, will engage your child as they learn about Peter, who disobeys his grandfather and climbs over the garden wall. He encounters a wolf, with quick thinking and the help of his furry friends, he captures the wolf and it is taken to the zoo. They will learn about composer Sergei Prokofiev and listen while they learn along with the included 24 page program book.

The Story of Water Music will whisk them away to a time in history when King George I announces a royal boat trip on the Thames River, and Handel surprises him with a very special musical gift. There are pieces from Water Music, Messiah and Rinaldo throughout the story.

All pieces are played beautifully by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Much of what they hear and read will relate to familiar parts of history, geography and the fine arts studies of composers from Classical Conversation's® Foundation's Guide. A beautiful enrichment for further learning. There are eleven different CD's to choose from and I've included them for you below. They are reasonably priced, and have package discounts for multiple CD's purchased and free shipping when two or more CDs are bought!