Maestro Classics–The Story of Swan Lake

 

 

About the Product:

• Target Ages: 5+ and families
• Available two ways:
• CD and Activity booklet  $16.98
• MP3 Download and PDF file Activity  booklet $9.98
• Available from Maestro Classics

    We popped the CD into the CD player. Suddenly the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky’s Ballet Swan Lake filled the room. Maestro Classics wonderfully narrated rendition of The Story of Swan Lake performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra is a marvelous way to introduce kids to the beauty and magic of classical music.

     The first 30 minutes of the CD is pure wonder as Yadu narrates The Story of Swan Lake. You can imagine the beautiful  gowns swishing during the ball as the ladies and the prince dance the waltz. The music transports you to the lake, where the beautiful enchanted swan lives.

     The CD is accompanied by a 24 page book filled with various activities and information. You can learn fascinating facts about Tchaikovsky such as that “he was a messy and irresponsible child.” Read biographies of Stephen Simon, the conductor/composer, of Bonnie Ward Simon, the executive producer and of Yadu, the narrator. Learn about the leading authority on shred guitar, Joe Stump. Practice playing major and minor chords.

     Maestro Classics is the work of Stephen Simon and Bonnie Ward Simon. The mission statement of Maestro Classics is: To cultivate a love of music through education and joyful performances. They state their music has three major benefits. 1.) Expand listening horizons 2.) Develop listening skills and accumulate musical memories 3.) Encourage adults and children to listen to music together.

CD Highlights

• The Story of Swan Lake

• Tchaikovsky’s Life

• Speed Metal Swan

• About the Music

• “Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet'”

• Want to Have Some Fun? Prepare to Perform

• “Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet” Sing Along

• Total Playing Time 54:02

ClarkClan Observations

     The first impression that forms when the CD begins is beautiful music. It captivated us from the first few notes. Listening to the music and narration brings to life the music of Tchaikovsky.

     We found the track that features Joe Stump, the leading shred guitarist, fascinating. He performed Speed Metal Swan which is a heavy metal version of the main theme. Both my 14 year old daughter, Sarah and my 18 year old son, Matthew enjoyed listening to it. They also found the information in the book on Joe Stump interesting and continued to research him.

      In all, the ClarkClan can only give this Maestro Classics The Story of Swan Lake the highest recommendation. Each time we have popped it in to listen, something new catches our attention. Rebekah, who is 8, can be seen dancing around with the music. Ben, who is 10, has been caught conducting along with the music.

Other CD’s Available

     Maestro Classics has 9 different Story CD’s available. Each is $16.98 for CD or $9.98 for MP3 download.

• Peter and the Wolf
• The Soldier’s Tale
• The Story of Swan Lake
• Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
• My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
• The Tortoise and the Hare
• Casey at the Bat
• The Sorcerer's Apprentice
• Juanita, The Spanish Lobster (also available in Espanol)

     Many other of my Crew Mates reviewed The Story of Swan Lake along with our family. Visit the Crew Blog to read what they thought of this CD.

As an Independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse and member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received The Story of Swan Lake for free from Maestro Classics, in exchange for my honest review of their product.