Peter and the Wolf
Do you remember studying Peter and the Wolf in school? This 68 minute CD by Maestro Classics brings the wonder of music into your home so you can enjoy the story with your children. The recommended age range is 4+ and their families.
This is an enjoyable way to learn about classical music. The introduction explains the instruments and the parts they play in the story. After the introduction you get to listen to the story narrated by Yadu and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Bonnie Ward Simon teaches about Prokofiev's life and why he wrote Peter and the Wolf.
"It was cool and I really like it." Hannah, age 10
Two Russian folk songs are included on the CD. They are fun to listen to and give you a taste of Russian folk music.
The conductor explains how the emotions and actions of Peter are shown by using different instruments. He teaches how a theme is carried throughout the story. Then we get to hear the instrumental version of Peter and the Wolf.
The program book includes a dot-to-dot puzzle, information page on the composer, match the instruments to the characters activity, information about the folk musicians and their instruments, about the conductor page, a crossword puzzle, and more.
Each section is a separate track which makes it easy to pick and choose what you want to listen to instead of having to fast forward something you don't need to review. No teacher prep required! Just pop the disk into your CD player, disk drive, or car stereo and it does the rest.
"It was really awesome. It was cooler than any story." Isaac, age 4
This CD is a keeper! My children and I will enjoy listening to it over and over. The narrated version kept the attention of my children, ages 2-12, the whole time. They liked trying to recognize the different characters and instruments as we listened to the instrumental version. They were able to tell the story while they listened to the instrumental version after listening to the narrated version once two weeks before. Their imagination and attention was captured by the music. My 4 year old son was even able to recognize some of the characters. My two year old danced along to the music.
I would recommend this program to any music loving family or anyone interested in cultivating a love of music in their children.
"I love it! I want to listen to it again." Sarah, age 7
Peter and the Wolf by Maestro Classics
$16.98
*Visit the link above to listen to samples from the CD or to purchase.
You can read more reviews of this product at TOS Homeschool Crew blog.
I received a free copy of Peter and the Wolf in order to write this review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
