Peter and the Wolf - Maestro Classics - A Review

Product: Peter and the Wolf CD

Price: $16.98




Company: Maestro Classics

Age Range: 4+ and their families

Other Products on CD:
The Tortoise and the Hare
The Story of Swan Lake
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Casey at the Bat
Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Brief Intro:
Peter and the Wolf, the greatest of all works for narrator and orchestra, joins Maestro Classics' delightful Stories in Music™ series as the London Philharmonic, conductor Stephen Simon and narrator Yadu, create a magical listening experience. Additional tracks about Prokofiev, what to listen for in the music, and wonderful Russian folk music transform this into a modern classic. 24-page program book included. - from the website

In-Depth Look:

We reviewed another CD from Maestro Classics last year. The Tortoise and the Hare. I loved it. You can read the review for that one as well.

Samples are available on the site to give you a much better idea of what you will be getting. While on the website, take a look around. They have a newly designed site with more information about the CDs, videos, and also curriculum guides.

We received Peter and the Wolf CD for review. I knew I would like it before I even listened to it. What isn't to like? It is a classic set to music by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. After listening to it, I wasn't disappointed. I love it.

The classic stands alone. But add the music to it and it goes to a whole new level. A different instrument for each character. The highs and lows. The fast and the slow. The feeling of emotions that come through with the orchestra. Wonderful bonus.

It isn't just the classic story of right and wrong. It isn't just the beautiful music. It is also all the extras that you get along with it. It truly is a "music lesson in a box", as described by their Director of Operations, Annie Dean. Others agree as shown by the 3 awards the CD has won.

The running time of the CD is 68 minutes.
Intro 3:57
Peter and the Wolf - Narrator and Orchestra 25:10
About the Composer - Prokofiev 6:14
A Russian Peter 2:21
About the Music 6:18
Peter and the Wolf - Instrumental 21:03
Invitation to Grandfather's Party :26
Kalinka 2:45

The included booklet has
-Connect the dots
-About the composer
-Match the instruments
-Crack the code
-About the conductor/arranger
-Crossword puzzle
-And more

There are at least three benefits to listening to Stories in Music.
- Expand listening horizons.
- Develop listening skills and accumulate musical memories.
- Encourage adults and children to listen to music together.

The website is also helpful. It has all the answer keys for the booklet, sheet music, helpful articles by Bonnie Ward Simon, plus samples of the CDs. They have totally revamped the website. Check out the Kids Club and the Educational Materials.

To read other reviews, click here.

Disclaimer: I received the Peter and the Wolf CD program free of charge, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.